Transport infrastructure rationale for carbon dioxide capture & storage in the European Union to 2050.

Abstract: Along with public transport modification, building and consumer efficiency, renewable energy and bio-fuels, among other greenhouse gas mitigation strategies within the European Union (EU), Zero Emission Power utilising Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is one of the key options to significantly reduce CO₂ quickly as the world begins the transition away from fossil fuels and high CO₂ emissions. Transporting CO₂ from capture locations to storage sites will play an integral part in the implementation of this strategy, as geography, urbanism, regulation, regionalism and currently installed transport systems challenge the ability of the EU and its member states to store billions of tonnes of CO₂ before the middle of this century. While the building of a CO₂ transportation infrastructure is the primary subject of this paper, no discussion of transport can begin without at least a brief discussion of how and where CO₂ will be safely and securely stored, and the identification and rationalization of the capture sites to the storage locations. Only after this exercise is complete can a transport infrastructure be devised that will safely deliver the captured CO₂ for long-term storage and sequestration. The EU Zero Emissions Technology Platform SSI workgroup report used the latest data available from public sources to identify within each EU member state, both the largest point sources of CO₂ emissions and the most likely storage locations. Early opportunities for success whereby relatively pure CO₂ streams might be captured with minimal cost and complexity were also identified. Lastly, the concept of the EU Flagship programme was rationalized to storage locations. Recommendations were given for the assigned tasks. Within this context the SSI workgroup reviewed options that might afford member states the opportunity to begin the construction of transport systems and how an EU wide storage infrastructure might be devised and evolve, including efforts for the EU Flagship Programme, as well as a discussion on what such an infrastructure would likely not become. The report used as its primary analogue the history of the currently installed natural gas pipeline system in Northwest Europe. Transport considerations used estimations from energy modelling of how much CO₂ might ultimately be stored by 2050 as a basis for the EU wide transport design. From that, geographical and urban considerations, physical movement and pressure limitations, CO₂ quality variations, regulatory impediments, legal options, economic unknowns and value chains, pubic acceptance and education, along with verifiable, certifiable storage locations, both offshore and onshore were used to create an overall transport scenario that may prove a workable option in the coming decades. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]