China Petroleum & Chemical Corporation, commonly known as Sinopec, marked a significant milestone in the energy industry by putting into service China’s first and the world’s largest LNG storage tank, boasting an impressive capacity of 270,000 cubic meters. This monumental achievement took place on November 2, at Sinopec’s Qingdao LNG Receiving Terminal, and is set to have a profound impact on China’s natural gas supply during the upcoming winter heating season.
The colossal LNG storage tank, a remarkable feat of engineering, stands as a testament to Sinopec’s commitment to advancing China’s energy infrastructure. Measuring a staggering 100.6 meters in diameter and reaching a height of 55 meters, it is a key component of Sinopec Qingdao LNG Receiving Terminal’s phase III construction. This awe-inspiring project incorporated 17 patented technologies with independent intellectual property rights, demonstrating Sinopec’s innovative prowess. What’s even more impressive is that the main structure of this massive storage tank was completed in just 18 months, and it has been fully operational within 27 months, highlighting the efficiency and dedication of the project’s execution.
In the course of construction, Sinopec prioritized localization, further enhancing its contribution to China’s economy. The company successfully localized the applications of more than 20 core equipment, resulting in significant reductions in procurement costs and boosting the localization level of the tank to an impressive 95%, a remarkable achievement within China.
On the same remarkable day, Sinopec’s Tianjin LNG Receiving Terminal also celebrated a major accomplishment with the completion of phase II construction. Three storage tanks, each with a capacity of 220,000 cubic meters, have been brought into full service, adding a staggering 400 million cubic meters of natural gas storage capacity. This elevates the total storage capacity of the Tianjin terminal to an astounding 1.08 billion cubic meters, making it the largest of its kind in China. The two LNG terminals in Qingdao and Tianjin, featuring seven and nine storage tanks respectively, now have a combined storage capacity of 1.68 billion cubic meters. This achievement significantly reinforces China’s capacity to meet the resource demands during the winter season.
Sinopec’s commitment to expanding natural gas storage capacity aligns with its strategic plan, which encompasses the entire spectrum of production, supply, storage, and sales. As of now, the group boasts approximately 5 billion cubic meters of LNG storage capacity. Sinopec has gone on to construct 12 natural gas storage depots, including the Zhongyuan cluster, Jintan, Wen 96, and Jianghan Yanxue. Furthermore, the company is actively engaged in expanding its LNG receiving terminals in both Tianjin and Qingdao.
In the future, Sinopec has set its sights on even greater achievements. The company aims to build more natural gas storage depots and LNG receiving terminals throughout China, with the goal of strengthening natural gas storage capabilities and peak gas consumption adjustments. This endeavour is part of Sinopec’s ambitious 5-year plan to further expand LNG storage capacities, ensuring a stable and reliable natural gas supply for the nation.
