Objective The 15th Five-Year Plan period marks a critical phase for China to establish a new energy system and advance the construction of an “energy powerhouse”. As key national infrastructure, oil and gas pipeline networks are undergoing a fundamental shift in their functional roles. This paper systematically reviews the development directions of these networks based on the top-level design of the “Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan”, providing a reference for scientific research and management decision-making.

Methods Drawing on the “Outline of the 15th Five-Year Plan”, interpretations from national ministries and commissions, industry plans, and enterprise practices, this paper conducts systematic analysis and inductive summary. Advancements in technologies such as the integration of oil and gas pipeline networks with renewable energy, digital transformation, and intelligent upgrades, as well as institutional measures like oil and gas market system reforms, import tax incentives, and standard system construction were also incorporated into the analysis. The strategic positioning, layout optimization and integration pathways of oil and gas pipeline networks in the new energy system were thoroughly examined.

Results The study reveals three core characteristics of China’s oil and gas pipeline networks during the 15th Five-Year Plan period: (1) Strategic positioning: The networks will transition from single-purpose oil and gas transmission corridors to integrated multi-energy transmission systems, serving as the backbone of the modern oil and gas industry, a key component of the new energy system, and a strategic pillar for energy security. (2) Spatial layout: The national unified natural gas trunkline network will be further enhanced, while crude oil and refined oil pipelines will focus on localized optimization. Gas storage and peak-shaving facilities will be cooperatively deployed with natural gas pipelines and integrated into the comprehensive planning of infrastructure such as power grids and hydrogen pipelines, serving to accelerate the development of the substance-energy network for the new energy system, thus forming an energy artery network that features optimized spatial distribution, broader coverage, and stronger coordination. (3) Development paths: Technological advancements will accelerate breakthroughs in hydrogen blending in natural gas pipelines, batch transportation of methanol in refined oil pipelines, and diversified uses of crude oil pipelines and storage. It is urgent to reduce investments in hydrogen transport, and this has become an important foundation for improving the flexibility and resilience of the energy supply chain. Digital transformation and intelligent upgrades will become core driving forces, with “Artificial Intelligence +” integrated into core operations such as pipeline dispatching, fault detection, and safety inspections. Market mechanisms, pricing systems, and standards and regulations will be refined in tandem, providing a strong foundation for the high-quality operation of pipeline networks.

Conclusion During the 15th Five-Year Plan period, China’s oil and gas pipeline networks will evolve toward multi-energy integration, collaborative optimization, intelligent management, and comprehensive services. To build a modern oil and gas industry system on schedule, efforts should be made to coordinate and systematically advance the integrated development of pipeline networks with upstream and downstream resource markets, while strengthening the dual drivers of technological innovation and institutional support to ensure energy security and facilitate the green transition.