CO2 PIPELINE SYSTEMS: ASSESSMENT OF THE RISKS AND HEALTH & SAFETY REGULATIONS

The widespread deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS) to address climate change will require the construction and operation of a large network of pipeline systems to transport the CO2 from the capture facility to storage sites. Because of the expected scale of these systems and the properties of the CO2 being transported, CCS pipeline systems may require different approaches for risk assessment and regulation compared to other, more common gasses, such as natural gas. There is also a general lack of knowledge amongst stakeholders around the safety issues of CCS, which must be addressed to achieve acceptance. This paper outlines the results of a study undertaken by Environmental Resources Management (ERM) for the CO2 Capture Project (CCP) to better understand these considerations. This includes: A comparative overview on the risks posed by natural gas, sour gas and CO2 pipelines. A review of the safety regulatory requirements for pipelines in general, with a special focus on CO2 pipelines where these exist (for Canada, US, UK and Europe). Characterizing the current state of acceptance of CO2 pipelines from NGOs and other stakeholders that could have an influence on the implementation of regulations and oversight for CO2 pipeline systems An assessment of the risks associated with pipelines transporting CO2, along with stakeholder acceptance of their operation, will be a key element in securing a 'license to operate' for CCS facilities.