China's ambitious West-East Gas Pipeline 4 project has made a significant progress with the inauguration of its inaugural segment in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Sunday.

Designed to transport 15 billion cubic meters of natural gas annually, the first section of the pipeline is integrated with the existing network, boosting its overall transmission capacity to 92 billion cubic meters.

The pipeline stretches 1,745 kilometres from Wuqia County in Xinjiang to Zhongwei City in the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, with its construction incorporating advanced technologies to enhance its resilience and environmental impact. 

Extra-large diameter pipes were used to withstand seismic activity in regions with complex geography, while digital radiography ensured efficient and eco-friendly monitoring.

The pipeline's stations and valve rooms are equipped with solar power systems, expected to save 360,000 kWh of electricity and reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 362 tonnes annually.

The project is expected to bolster Xinjiang's oil and gas supplies and provide clean energy to areas along its route, contributing to both environmental protection and economic development in the region.