Beijing, September 26, 2025
In a bold step toward combating climate change, China has officially launched the world's largest carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) project for coal-fired power plants in the arid northwest province of Gansu. The facility, which completed a rigorous 72-hour trial run, is set to capture a staggering 1.5 million tonnes of CO2 annually at a purity rate exceeding 99%. This self-developed system not only underscores Beijing's commitment to green technology but also positions China as a leader in the global fight against emissions, even as it grapples with its massive coal dependency.
The project, located at a coal power plant in Jinchuan District, represents a technological milestone for the nation. Engineers hailed the launch as a "game-changer" during Thursday's ceremony, emphasizing how the CCUS system integrates seamlessly with existing infrastructure to trap emissions before they escape into the atmosphere. "This isn't just about reducing carbon—it's about turning a challenge into an opportunity," said project lead Dr. Li Wei, from the state-owned China Energy Engineering Group. The captured CO2 will be piped underground for storage or repurposed for industrial uses, such as enhanced oil recovery, potentially generating additional revenue streams.
This announcement comes hot on the heels of President Xi Jinping's recent pledge at the UN Climate Conference in New York to slash China's greenhouse gas emissions by 7-10% from their peak levels by 2035. In a prerecorded video address, Xi declared that a "green and low-carbon transition is the trend of our time," urging international cooperation despite geopolitical tensions. China's move defies U.S. skepticism on aggressive climate action, with state media highlighting it as proof of Beijing's proactive stance. Analysts note that while China remains the world's top emitter, its investments in renewables and now CCUS could accelerate the shift away from fossil fuels, potentially influencing global standards.
The Gansu project builds on smaller-scale pilots across China, but its scale dwarfs international peers. For context, the largest operational CCUS facility in the U.S., the Petra Nova plant in Texas, captured just 1.4 million tonnes per year before shutting down in 2020 due to costs. Experts predict China's system, bolstered by government subsidies and domestic tech innovations, could operate at a fraction of the price, making carbon capture viable for developing nations. "This could be the blueprint for the Global South," said environmental economist Zhang Mei from Tsinghua University.
Public reaction on social media has been overwhelmingly positive, with users praising the initiative as a symbol of China's ingenuity. One viral post from People's Daily showcased the facility's sleek control room, garnering thousands of likes and shares. "From deserts to carbon sinks—China's turning the tide," read a top comment. However, critics, including some Western outlets, question whether such projects greenwash continued coal expansion, pointing to China's approval of dozens of new plants this year.
As the world eyes COP30 next year, this launch amplifies calls for technology transfers to vulnerable countries. With Typhoon Ragasa's recent devastation still fresh—having killed 17 in Taiwan and forced over a million evacuations in southern China—the urgency of climate resilience feels more acute than ever. Beijing's dual focus on mitigation and adaptation could redefine its role on the world stage, proving that economic powerhouse status doesn't preclude planetary stewardship.
China Launches World's Largest Carbon Capture Project Amid Global Climate Push