Method for identifying drivers, barriers and synergies related to the deployment of a CO2 pipeline network: A case study for the Iberian Peninsula and Morocco

Abstract

This paper provides a method to identify drivers, barriers and synergies (DBS) related to the deployment of a CO<inf>2</inf> pipeline network. The method was demonstrated for the West Mediterranean region (WMR) (i.e. Spain, Portugal and Morocco). The method comprises a literature review, analysis of embedded pipeline trajectories, interviews with experts, and workshops with stakeholders. Subsequently, the collected information was used to identify route specific DBS in several CO<inf>2</inf> pipeline network deployment scenarios that were modeled for the WMR. Most identified DBS apply to CO<inf>2</inf> pipeline transport in general. The barriers (e.g. technical knowledge gaps, outstanding legislative issues, lack of financial incentive) can in principle be tackled to make the design, construction and operation of a CO<inf>2</inf> pipeline network possible, but could sometimes lead to somewhat higher costs. Furthermore, there are also facilitating processes (e.g. experience with CO<inf>2</inf> pipeline transport for EOR). Cost benefits due to pipeline oversizing were identified as a route specific driver, whereas crossings of mountains, water and nature areas are route specific barriers. Installing CO<inf>2</inf> pipelines along natural gas pipelines could be either a route specific synergy or barrier, depending on site conditions. Finally, several key measures were proposed to enable CO<inf>2</inf> pipeline networks in the future.