The Chinese 4,000-km natural gas pipeline, linking Xinjiang northwest province with eastern Shanghai, will officially start commercial operation Thursday.
"Opening of the pipeline would greatly increase energy supply in east China," said Xu Dingming, the energy bureau head of the National Development and Reform Commission.
The state has also built a natural gas-fired power plant in Shanghai to facilitate electricity shortages in east China.
Xu said the project will improve China's energy structure
430
China To Improve Energy Supplies And Structure
Xu said the project will improve China's energy structure
