Objective Driven by the accelerating global transition toward a diversified, low-carbon energy structure, demand for intensive pipeline utilization continues to rise. Pipeline engineering is consequently shifting from traditional oil and gas transportation to a new paradigm involving various media, including carbon- and hydrogen-based energy, chemicals, pastes, slurries, and capsules (collectively termed “novel media”). These systems operate under complex conditions spanning onshore areas, deep sea and extraterrestrial environments. In turn, the unique physicochemical properties of novel media, paired with harsh operating environments, pose major challenges to pipeline design, material selection, operational control, and safety guarantee.

Methods This paper systematically reviews the development status of key pipeline transportation technologies under complex operating conditions in China from the dual perspectives of internal parameters (e.g., temperature and pressure) and external service environments. The review aligns with national strategies of building “a country with strong transportation network” and ensuring national energy security. Representative technical routes and engineering practices are summarized across multiple domains. These include thermal insulation for extreme-temperature pipelines, material development and fracture control for supercritical/dense-phase CO₂ pipelines, material compatibility for high-pressure hydrogen pipelines, and corrosion protection and integrity management for deep-sea and deep underground pipelines. They also cover the pipeline transportation of pastes, slurries, hydrogen-based energy, and capsules.

Results Deficiencies are identified in existing studies regarding the modeling of multi-physics coupling mechanisms, the evolution of material degradation and failure, and the adaptability of current standard systems.

Conclusion Looking forward, it is essential to establish a full-chain standard system covering planning, design, operation, and maintenance; develop pipeline operation and control technologies based on multi-physics coupling modeling; and refine pipeline integrity management frameworks for complex operating conditions. Simultaneously, the research, development and application of novel materials and equipment should be accelerated. These efforts aim to construct an intelligent operational management system characterized by coordinated substance-energy transmission, extreme-environment accessibility, security resilience, and multi-network integration. This system will support the safe, efficient, and large-scale development of pipelines for novel media, safeguard national energy and strategic material transportation, facilitate a modern energy system, and advance national maritime and aerospace strategies.