Pipelines are present everywhere in our daily lives – from residential plumbing and oil tanks to power plants and railway systems. Ensuring their safety is essential to prevent leaks and accidents, protect the environment, and ensure reliable delivery of vital resources. CUHK scientists are pushing the boundaries of energy innovation with smart laser sensing and AI-driven gas detection. Their breakthrough technology promises safer, smarter monitoring of oil, natural gas and hydrogen pipelines. With large-scale trials across Hong Kong and mainland China, this project fuels the city’s re-industrialisation and energy ambitions, positioning CUHK at the forefront of sustainable tech and next-generation manufacturing.