Modeling CO2 Storage Pipeline Routes in the United States

Carbon capture technology offers the potential for the United States to continue the widespread use of coal to generate electricity in a carbon constrained economy. This study examines potential configurations of a nationwide carbon capture and storage network by integrating work on the capture, transportation, and storage aspects of such a network. Modeling conducted with the Department of Energy’s National Energy Modeling System (NEMS) model provided data on which plants will retrofit or be built with carbon capture technology in the future. A cost surface and several models were developed using geographic information system (GIS) software to site new plants and connect all carbon capture plants to geologic storage basins throughout the United States. Several network scenarios with different levels of foresight and government pipeline construction assistance are examined. Building a trunkline increases the overall length of the pipeline network. Assuming all pipelines are the same diameter, initial cost estimates indicate that building a trunkline network is more expensive than allowing plants to connect to storage sites on their own. More detailed information on pipeline diameter is needed to develop accurate cost estimates of different pipeline network configurations to further inform decision makers.