Transportation

Once the CO2 has been captured at the emission source and processed so as to have suitable output parameters as regards its composition, pressure and temperature, the stage of transportation to storage begins.

Following the separation of flue gases, the CO2 extracted is compressed until it reaches a condition similar to a liquid state.

It is then transported in pipes (similar to the pipelines used by the natural gas industry) or in road tankers or ships if the CO2 source is distant from the storage site.

A widespread deployment of CCS technology will require a pipeline network. Currently there are some 5000 km of pipelines in the world transporting CO2.

Areas of action

Given the innovative nature of this type of transportation, various areas are currently being worked on, most notably:

• Characterisation of CO2 for transportation, a key aspect for the study of the performance of piping materials and elements.
• Determination of territorial aspects, a key aspect in laying the ground for the possible alternatives that will determine how the pipeline network and auxiliary facilities are set up at national level.
• Development of equipment and determination of materials with a stress on the need to validate their anti-corrosion performance.
• Financial studies of transportation with the aim of identifying the key elements for developing a model allowing the costs linked to CO2 transportation to be accurately estimated.

Construction of a gas pipeline transportation. Cortesy of Enagás