A research team from Peking University’s Institute of Carbon Neutrality has unveiled insights into China’s carbon removal potential through forestation. Published in Nature Communications, the study was led by Professor Piao Shilong and co-authored by He Yue and Thomas Gasser.

Using Land to Combat Carbon Emissions

The research, thus, indicates the capacity of China to absorb carbon dioxide through land use, land-use change, and forestry (LULUCF). The sector is critical for achieving China’s carbon-neutral goal by 2060. The team, through the employment of OSCAR-China-Projection model, which caters to the specific needs of China, made the provision of data precise for policymakers.

Transforming Land Use Changes into Carbon Sinks

China’s current forestation efforts, which focus on planting and restoring forests, have turned land-use changes into significant carbon sinks. According to the study, these activities absorb more carbon than they emit. The research suggests that sustained afforestation could remove a substantial portion of emissions from challenging sectors like energy and industry.

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If afforestation continues at the current rate, forests could eliminate one-third of the emissions from hard-to-abate sectors by 2060.

Challenges Beyond 2035

However, the study warns that as available land for new forests diminishes, the effectiveness of forestry in sequestering carbon will decline. This slowdown is expected to occur after the mid-century, emphasizing the importance of a long-term strategy.

Extending Targets for Maximum Impact

The research underscores the need to expand forestation efforts beyond 2035, the deadline for China’s current forestation targets. Continued efforts in forestry can maximize the carbon removal potential of the LULUCF sector.

These results push policymakers to embrace sustainable and future-focused strategies to ensure China is well on its way to attaining ambitious carbon neutrality goals. By implementing innovative and enhanced forestation programs, the country can play a critical role in combating climate change.

The pipelay vessel Castorone has set off towards the Black Sea for laying an offshore pipeline to support development at the second phase of the Sakarya gas field in Türkiye. The Dardanelles Strait crossing occurred on December 26 when, in about six hours, it covered 36 nautical miles and continued along its way through the Sea of Marmara. The next morning, Castorone crossed the Bosphorus Strait, which was a mere 18 nautical miles coverage that took three hours before arriving at Sakarya.

A Significant Step Toward Sakarya’s Expansion

Saipem, part of a consortium to be awarded the second phase of the Sakarya FEED and EPCI contract, will, through Turkish Petroleum – Offshore Technology Center, install 158 kilometers of a 16-inch diameter offshore pipeline at a depth up to 2,200 meters in the Black Sea. The project also comprises a 21-kilometer-long intrafield pipeline.

In 2022, Saipem executed the first phase of Sakarya by installing a deepwater pipeline for Türkiye’s biggest gas field.

Technological Capabilities of Castorone

Saipem constructed Castorone in 2012 as the most advanced vessel designed to perform challenging deepwater pipeline installations. The vessel is 330 meters long and 40 meters wide. Its top working speed is up to 12 knots, and it can carry more than 700 personnel on board.Saipem has fitted the vessel with advanced technological systems, including a Class 3 dynamic positioning system, eight thrusters, and a 120-meter-long stinger. Castorone can lay pipelines in both shallow and deep waters up to 3,000 meters deep.

Saipem has also fitted the vessel with state-of-art welding tools and two ROVs designed by its center, Sonsub. Castorone can take pipelines up to 60-inches diameter. Its capacity of 1,200 tons can sustainable tensioning.

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Türkiye has discovered the greatest natural gas field to date. It is located about 150 kilometers off the coast of Ereğli. The field holds great potential for Türkiye’s energy future. In September, it welcomed its first FPSO vessel for the Sakarya field, which will double gas production when it begins its 20-year operation in 2026.