Author: Michael Tewes
In-Line Inspections: The Backbone of Safe and Effective CO₂ Pipeline Networks for a Carbon-Neutral Future
Carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) is increasingly being focused on to support future green energy production and is thus a mid-term solution on the way to a carbon-neutral future. Our expert, Michael Tewes, Business Line Manager Hydrogen and Future Fuels, ROSEN Group, takes a deeper dive into the role of a robust pipeline network for CO2 transport and its in-line inspection to realize the full potential of CCUS.
Since the International Energy Agency (IEA) released its roadmap to achieving net zero emissions by 2050, it has been clear that this goal requires a multi-disciplinary approach. As the largest source of global greenhouse gas emissions, the energy sector is pivotal in keeping global warming below a 1.5°C increase as envisioned in the Paris Agreement. Yet, we are already witnessing increasingly extreme weather, with record-breaking temperatures, droughts, wildfires, intense rainfall, unexpected snow in warmer regions, floods, and hurricanes. These environmental impacts, caused by CO₂ and other greenhouse gases, highlight the urgency of transitioning from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources.
Green hydrogen is emerging as a promising long-term solution for energy storage, transport, and use. Produced using renewable electricity, green hydrogen can serve as an efficient energy carrier and industrial feedstock. Renewable electricity generation is rising with the expansion of offshore wind farms and photovoltaic installations; however, the current rate of green energy production still needs to catch up to the levels required to fully replace fossil fuels. In the medium term, decarbonizing energy production and producing hydrogen from fossil fuels require deploying carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). Initially focused on hydrogen production and hard to abate sectors, CCUS projects and pilot initiatives are growing throughout the industry.
The role of pipelines in the energy transition
As part of global efforts to cut emissions, low-carbon hydrogen production combined with CCUS is becoming an essential focus for the energy transition. Producing blue hydrogen requires capturing CO₂ during steam methane reforming and transporting it to secure underground storage sites for long-term sequestration. Expanding CCUS capacity and establishing reliable transportation infrastructure will take time, and any substantial growth of CCUS by 2030 and beyond will hinge on today’s decisions. Unfortunately, the current CCUS capacity still lags behind target milestones.
However, there are promising developments: according to the latest DNV Energy Transition Outlook (ETO) for 2024, global energy emissions are expected to peak in 2024, although this may shift by a year or two depending on changes in global policies. In addition, CCUS is gaining momentum, with CO₂ capture capacity from operational, under-construction, or development projects increasing by nearly 50% from 2022 to 2023.
Despite this progress, a significant gap remains between current greenhouse gas reduction forecasts and the levels necessary to limit warming and achieve net-zero targets. This highlights the urgent need for faster progress in reducing emissions and deploying CCUS to meet the ambitious climate goals set for decades to come.
Pipelines will play a crucial role in the energy transition as they are essential transportation systems for hydrogen and CO₂. They will connect hydrogen producers and CO₂ emitters with consumers and storage facilities, creating an integrated network. Pipelines offer the most reliable, safe, and cost-effective solution for transporting CO₂ over long distances, thus becoming the backbone of CCUS efforts. Building a pipeline network to collect and transport captured CO₂ for sequestration demands thorough planning, significant infrastructure investment, and strong regulatory backing to ensure its success and sustainability.
As CCUS becomes vital in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, establishing a reliable CO₂ pipeline network is critical. Transporting captured CO₂ from its source to storage sites sounds straightforward, but in practice, it requires a sophisticated, resilient infrastructure. As an in-line inspection expert, I believe that the success of a CO₂ pipeline network must be based on principles of safety, reliability, and thorough oversight from the beginning. Only then can we ensure this ambitious infrastructure serves its purpose without compromising environmental or public well-being.
Prioritizing safety: CO₂ pipelines present unique challenges
Transporting CO₂ differs significantly from traditional oil and gas transport. CO₂ is often transported under high pressure, which requires specialized materials and pipeline construction to ensure containment. CO₂ behaves unpredictably under pressure, posing unique challenges for containment and leak detection. Any leakage will negate climate benefits and pose serious risks to surrounding communities and ecosystems.
This is where in-line inspection technology comes in. High-tech inspection tools like smart pigs that detect weaknesses before they lead to serious failures are essential for high-pressure CO₂ pipelines. Regular inspections can uncover vulnerabilities, from corrosion to minor cracks, before they escalate into costly or dangerous failures. In-line inspection experts provide vital expertise and use technologies that ensure the structural integrity of these pipelines at every stage.
Building public trust through transparency and engagement
Establishing a CO₂ pipeline network is more than an engineering feat; it is a commitment to public safety and environmental stewardship. While inspection technology can assure the structural integrity of pipelines, public trust is equally crucial. Transparent communication about pipeline routes, safety protocols, and inspection measures reassures communities about the safety of these pipelines, especially in residential areas. In-line inspection experts contribute by providing third-party validation of safety standards, reinforcing public confidence in this infrastructure.
Navigating regulatory frameworks with inspection expertise
A robust regulatory framework is essential for CO₂ pipelines, and in-line inspections play a pivotal role in meeting regulatory requirements. Regular inspection protocols for testing, maintenance, and monitoring are necessary to uphold consistent safety and accountability. These protocols provide reliability to the pipeline network and strengthen public and investor confidence in CCUS as a viable solution to combat climate change.
Regulation should also address long-term CO₂ storage liabilities. Although pipelines are not directly responsible for storage, a reliable CO₂ transportation network is integral to storage safety. A dependable CO₂ pipeline system is an important pathway from capture to sequestration, and each link must be solid to ensure the network’s reliability.
Addressing economic challenges through preventive inspection practices
Building a CO₂ pipeline network is a capital-intensive effort. In-line inspection technology, which emphasizes preventive maintenance, can help manage operational costs. Detecting and addressing issues early reduces downtime, prevents expensive repairs, and minimizes the broader economic risks of pipeline failures.
Integrating best practices from day one and promoting a culture of regular inspections and maintenance lowers long-term costs and attracts investment. Investors are more likely to support a network demonstrating proactive risk management rather than only addressing issues reactively.
Scaling the network: Inspection as a key to future growth
To meet ambitious climate targets, the CO₂ pipeline network is required to scale up quickly, making expertise in in-line inspection all the more important. Today’s network may accommodate existing capacities, but it must remain safe, resilient, and adaptable as the infrastructure expands. Advances in sensor technology, data analytics, and machine learning can enhance detection capabilities and make inspections faster and more accurate to meet these demands.
Emerging technologies allow for real-time monitoring and remote analysis – tools that will be invaluable as the pipeline network expands. Leveraging these innovations will ensure that a more extensive, more complex network can still operate efficiently and safely.
In-line inspection: The critical partner for CO₂ pipeline success
As we work toward a national or even international CO₂ pipeline network, in-line inspection should be seen as a critical partner in this success. The network’s safety, efficiency, and dependability depend on our ability to detect and mitigate risks in real-time to ensure a secure path from capture to storage.
For CCUS to realize its potential in combating climate change, we need a robust CO₂ pipeline network supported by cutting-edge inspection and integrity management procedures. The future of CCUS and its promise to the environment depend on it. At ROSEN, we have a considerable track record of inspecting CO2 pipelines using different technologies. With our vast knowledge and capabilities in the field of integrity engineering, we partner in de-risking the energy transition – providing technology and competence for a sustainable future.