Sinopec Launches Initiative to Advance CCUS Technologies in Kazakhstan

ASTANA, Kazakhstan, Sept. 4, 2026 /CourierPR/ -- China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation (Sinopec), in collaboration with the International CCUS Technology Innovation Cooperation Organization (ICTO), the Ministry of Energy of Kazakhstan, and Nazarbayev University, launched an initiative to advance low-carbon energy development. The initiative was announced during the 2026 International CCUS Technology Conference, held from September 1 to 2 in Astana, Kazakhstan.

The conference, which attracted over 230 participants from more than 40 countries and regions, focused on discussing carbon dioxide capture, geological storage, CO2 mineralization, and the development of CCUS hubs. The event also highlighted the business models, policy frameworks, and international partnerships necessary to support wider deployment of these technologies.

Tian Hongbin, vice president of Sinopec, emphasized the critical phase of global climate action, stating that CCUS technologies are key enablers in this effort. Sinopec, which played a significant role in establishing ICTO, pledged to continue supporting its development as a global network of leading experts and to deepen international cooperation in the CCUS sector.

Sinopec has made substantial progress in CCUS technology. The company has built China's first 100-kilometer dense-phase CO2 pipeline and launched the country's first integrated CCUS demonstration project with an annual capacity of one million metric tons. Additionally, Sinopec is collaborating with Shell, BASF, and China Baowu on a joint study of China's first open-access CCUS cluster, which will have a capacity of 10 million metric tons. The company is also preparing a 1-million-metric-ton demonstration project at Shengli Oilfield, focusing on lower-concentration CO2 sources.

Established in July 2025, ICTO has 60 founding members, comprising companies, research institutions, and experts from more than 20 countries and regions. Sinopec plans to continue working with ICTO and its members to connect engineering experience with international research and support the development and application of CCUS technologies.

Sinopec, one of China's largest integrated energy and chemical companies, has a broad range of operations, including oil and gas exploration and production, refining, petrochemicals, fuels marketing and distribution, and research and development. The company is committed to advancing lower-carbon energy technologies and solutions.

Through this initiative, Sinopec and its partners aim to foster closer collaboration on CCUS technologies and standards, as well as greater exchange among CCUS professionals. The initiative underscores Sinopec's commitment to playing a leading role in the global transition to a lower-carbon economy.