The China National Offshore Oil Corporation (CNOOC) announced on Saturday the launch of the country's first offshore carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) initiative at the Dongfang 1-1 gas field in Hainan Province. This groundbreaking project aims to permanently store over 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually while enhancing natural gas production efficiency.
By injecting captured CO₂ into offshore gas reservoirs, the technology transforms emissions into a resource that drives hard-to-recover natural gas to the surface. Yu Fasong, head of the project, emphasized that relocating decarbonization processes to offshore platforms marks a strategic shift, enabling direct emission reductions at the source and improving operational sustainability.
The initiative will integrate with existing infrastructure in the Yinggehai Sea, expanding subsea pipeline capacity and supporting cost-effective development of carbon-rich gas reserves. Analysts highlight its potential to stabilize long-term output for the Dongfang gas field cluster while aligning with broader climate goals.
As Asia accelerates its energy transition, this project positions the Chinese mainland as a key innovator in offshore CCUS applications, offering insights for global markets seeking scalable emission-reduction solutions.
