Objective Amid the “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality” strategy and energy structure transformation, China faces challenges such as new energy power consumption hurdles and low utilization rates of traditional oil and gas pipelines. As green methanol production technologies advance, the demand for cross-regional transportation of methanol, a key carrier in the green and low-carbon energy transition, is rising. Exploring a high-quality development path for methanol and reconfiguring its storage and transportation system are vital for driving the energy revolution.

Methods Taking the reconfiguration of the methanol storage and transportation system as the research subject, the current situation and challenges of China’s energy storage and transportation were analyzed. In combination with the methanol industry pattern and policy orientation, the application of the integration mechanism of oil and gas pipeline infrastructure in methanol pipeline transportation was explored. The feasibility of batch transportation of methanol via refined oil pipelines was thoroughly investigated, and finally, the key technical difficulties were analyzed.

Results In China, there is a misalignment between methanol production capacity and consumption regions, resulting in a flow of grey methanol from north to south and from west to east. It is estimated that by 2060, green methanol will account for over 67％, establishing a transportation pattern of green methanol from the three northern regions (Northeast, North, and Northwest China) and coastal regions to the central and eastern regions. Three methanol transportation routes have been proposed. Pipeline transportation of methanol offers significant economic advantages. When compared to railway transportation, transporting millions of tons of methanol via pipelines can save hundreds of millions of yuan in average annual transportation costs. In the methanol-refined oil batch transportation via pipelines, several technical challenges remain, including unclear oil mixing rules, unevaluated adaptability of pipe materials and equipment, inadequate safety control, and a lack of relevant standards and specifications.

Conclusion Integrating oil and gas pipeline infrastructure for methanol transportation can cut storage and transportation costs and boost industrial competitiveness. However, in practical applications, a sound project initiation and supervision mechanism for the methanol industry should be established, and the raw material and energy attributes should be clarified. Rationally repurposing in-service refined oil pipelines can not only facilitate the large-scale application of methanol across multiple sectors but also foster the coordinated development of the industry chain. Given the technical challenges arising from the physical property differences between methanol and refined oil during pipeline transportation, all parties in the industry chain should collaborate on research and improve the relevant standard system. As technology advances and policies improve, the nationwide layout of batch pipeline transportation of methanol and refined oil will be gradually optimized to support the strategic goals of “carbon peaking and carbon neutrality”.