Risk Assessment of CO2 Pipeline Network for CCS – A UK Case Study

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) requires new processes for the capture of CO2 using a variety of existing technologies and also potentially new processes which are still under development. Transport of CO2 in bulk, by pipeline from point sources or ship is also new processes and then can produce emerging risks. The majority of existing CO2 pipeline in the USA and Canada are located along with substantial infield pipe work for Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR) projects (Kelliher et al, 2008; Kadnar, 2008). The USA experience cannot be easily applied to other regions or situations, in particular in Europe, because the CO2 pipelines in USA are located in areas with low population density. In fact, as stated in the report of the IPCC on CCS (IPCC, 2005), there is a lack of knowledge of safety concerning the pipeline transmission of CO2 in densely populated areas. External safety is one key aspect that should be assessed prior and during the operational phases of CO2 transport. Before starting the design a network, it is necessary select and identified the route corridor of the pipeline.