Research on innovative development path of oil and gas pipeline networks to facilitate the construction of new energy systems

Objective Playing a crucial role in the coordinated development of China's oil and gas upstream and downstream sectors, oil and gas pipeline networks are considered a focal point in the industry's market-oriented reform, serving three primary functions: providing oil and gas import channels, facilitating transmission, and supporting peak shaving. However, with the strategic imperative to construct new energy systems, there is a pressing need to expand these functions of the oil and gas pipeline networks. This expansion is essential for establishing close interconnections with other energy sources while ensuring the efficient transmission of oil and gas. Ultimately, this enhancement is aimed at enabling the coordination and mutual advancement of various energy sources within a unified energy supply system. Methods By delving into China's current status concerning the construction and operation of oil and gas pipeline networks, alongside examining the typical features and developmental patterns of new energy systems, this paper sheds light on the functional orientation of oil and gas pipeline networks within new energy systems. It underscores the challenges linked to integrating these networks into new energy systems. Additionally, the paper proposes a development roadmap and an innovative path for oil and gas pipeline networks that align with the construction patterns of new energy systems, ultimately enhancing their ability to support the development of new energy systems. Results In order to facilitate the advancements in new energy systems, it is crucial to focus on the following aspects. The nationwide establishment of a unified "oil and gas network" along with the promotion of "X+1+X" oil and gas market-oriented reform should be consistently promoted to ensure the sufficient utilization of the fundamental functions of the oil and gas pipeline networks. Oil and gas pipeline networks should be further developed to explore and realize more functions, positioning them as critical infrastructure for efficiently integrating and dispatching oil, gas, and other energy sources. Specifically, these networks serve as important channels for the integrated transportation of various media, including oil, gas, hydrogen energy, and methanol, and as a pivotal link for enhancing the efficient interconnection between oil and gas and power systems. Conclusion To accommodate the construction of new energy systems, this paper outlines three developmental stages for oil and gas pipeline networks that correspond to the construction and growth phases of new energy systems, namely, the development exploration period from 2024 to 2035, the accelerated transformation period from 2035 to 2050, and the consolidation and refinement period from 2050 to 2060. It also details the main characteristics and developmental goals of these stages. Additionally, it suggests further optimizing the mechanism of the oil and gas market system, consistently enhancing the basic functions of oil and gas pipeline networks, and devising overall plans to broaden their functions and foster new quality production forces.