CO₂ Pipeline Infrastructure

Publication Overview

The deliverables for this study consist of a reference manual, database, interactive web tool and webinar. The reference manual highlights key design, construction, operational and regulatory learnings. A database, containing more than 100 data elements, complements the reference manual

Publication Summary

• New CO₂ pipeline projects require large investments in infrastructure. Re-use of existing infrastructure can lead to substantial savings in investment costs.
• In the US, EOR has been the primary driver for CO₂ pipeline infrastructure development. Most EU projects focus on CO₂ storage within emissions reduction schemes.
• Except for the US, most countries have little or no experience with CO₂ pipelines or CO₂-EOR operations.
• Start-up, routine inspection, shutdown and venting of CO₂ pipelines can differ considerably from natural gas pipelines.
• Pipelines can usually handle the flexible operational needs of both supplier and user. Examples for pipeline networks exist in the US. These hubs have no specific set of rules, as each system has its own standards for CO₂ purity and operating conditions.
• Although CO₂ pipelines are rarely the focal point of public concern, effective communication strategies are a key element for successful implementation of the whole project.
• Currently it is not possible to draw robust conclusions, whether or not the incident rate with CO₂ pipelines would be different from other gas pipelines.
• Little information is publicly available on the costs of CO₂ pipelines.
• The contractor created a reference manual, database and interactive web tool detailing information on 29 CO₂ pipeline projects worldwide