In the quest to mitigate climate change, capturing and storing carbon dioxide (CO2) has emerged as a critical strategy. However, transporting vast amounts of CO2 to offshore storage sites presents a logistical and economic challenge. A recent study published in Carbon Capture Science and Technology, a journal that translates to Carbon Capture Science and Technology in English, sheds light on the most cost-effective methods for this task, with significant implications for the energy sector.
The research, led by Sigmund Eggen Holm of SINTEF Energy Research in Trondheim, Norway, focuses on Northern Europe, a region expected to capture and store hundreds of millions of tonnes of CO2 in the coming decades. The study uses a geographical visualization approach to determine the optimal transport strategies and associated costs.
Holm and his team found that shipping CO2 to floating receiving facilities is the most cost-efficient method for most offshore storage sites. “For many storage locations, shipping to a floating receiving facility is the most economical option,” Holm explains. This finding is significant, as it suggests that investing in shipping infrastructure could be a prudent move for energy companies and governments alike.
However, the study also highlights that the optimal transport strategy depends on the specific circumstances. For storage locations near the shore, transporting CO2 to an onshore receiving facility and then using pipelines becomes more viable. Similarly, for locations near the port, pipeline-based transport is the most cost-effective.
The research also explores the potential of emerging technologies. Low-pressure shipping (at 7 barg) and shipping with direct injection could further advantage the ship-based approach, making it cost-competitive for transport volumes up to a couple of million tonnes per year. These technologies could be key to reaching storage locations in the Scottish and Norwegian parts of the North Sea, Holm notes.
The study’s findings have significant commercial implications. Energy companies and governments planning CO2 transport infrastructure can use these insights to make informed decisions, potentially saving millions of dollars. Moreover, the research could influence policy decisions, encouraging investments in specific technologies and infrastructure.
As the world races to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, understanding the most cost-effective ways to transport and store CO2 is crucial. This study provides valuable insights, but it also opens up new questions. How will the energy sector adapt to these findings? Will we see a surge in investments in shipping infrastructure? Only time will tell, but one thing is clear: the future of CO2 transport is set to be an exciting and dynamic field.
