China’s NOCs take varying decarbonisation routes
The three biggest state-controlled firms are pursuing divergent strategies towards a lower carbon future
China’s ‘big three’ NOCs—which together accounted for 94pc of the country’s crude oil production and 96pc of its gas output last year—are taking different strategies to decarbonise their hydrocarbon-heavy businesses, a divergence that aims to play to their respective strengths. Since President Xi Jinping announced China’s 2060 carbon neutral target nearly a year ago, pressure has grown on the three firms—CNPC, Sinopec and Cnooc—to reduce their carbon intensity. While detailed strategies remain vague at best, the NOCs’ low-carbon futures are likely to vary due to their individual segment focus. CNPC, Sinopec and Cnooc dominate China’s oil and gas industry. The three companies pumped a combine
Also in this section
10 March 2026
From Venezuela to Hormuz, the US—backed by the most powerful military force ever assembled—is redrawing not only oil and gas flows but also the global balance of energy power
10 March 2026
By shutting the Strait of Hormuz, Iran has cut exports of distillate-rich Middle Eastern crude, jet fuel and diesel, and is holding the energy market hostage
10 March 2026
Eni’s director for global gas and LNG portfolio, Cristian Signoretto, discusses how demand will respond to rising LNG supply, and how the company is expanding its own gas and LNG operations through disciplined, capital-efficient investments
9 March 2026
Petroleum Economist analysis sees increases in output from Saudi Arabia, Venezuela and Kazakhstan among others before region’s murky descent






