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
1 April 2026
Golden Pass’s startup offers QatarEnergy a timely boost but may also force a difficult choice between honouring disrupted contracts and capitalising on soaring spot LNG prices
1 April 2026
It is not a case of if or when, but the length and magnitude of economic damage from elevated oil prices
1 April 2026
The US-Iran conflict demonstrates the need for diversification in several senses of the word. It also exposes the limits of Washington applying pressure on major oil and gas producers it considers geopolitical adversaries
31 March 2026
Disappointing results in its bidding round are a reality check for Libya, and global exploration generally






