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Journal of Australian Energy Producers
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Mapping of the regulatory requirements for requalification of hydrocarbon production pipeline facilities for CO2 transport and storage

Logan McNeil A and Alex Lockett A *
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A Genesis Energies, Perth, WA, Australia.




Logan McNeil graduated with Honours, Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) from Edith Cowan University in 2023. Logan is a Graduate Engineer for Genesis Energies in Perth, starting his career in the energy consulting industry, working on green and blue hydrogen projects, Ammonia projects, and carbon capture and storage projects. Email: loganmcneil52@gmail.com



Alex Lockett is a Delivery Manager at Genesis Energies, where he oversees the multidisciplinary technical and commercial delivery of projects across the Australian business. With over 20 years of experience in engineering project execution, Alex has cultivated a strong track record in managing complex onshore, offshore, and subsea projects. Alex’s expertise spans regional and global value chains and energy solutions for projects, including conventional oil and gas, carbon capture and storage (CCS), hydrogen and its derivatives, and offshore wind. He is passionate about advancing decarbonisation and the energy transition, recognising the critical role the responsible use of conventional hydrocarbons plays in ensuring a sustainable and reliable energy future. Driven by a collaborative mindset, Alex works closely with clients and stakeholders to deliver innovative, high-value projects. His commitment to fostering trust and creating meaningful solutions positions him as a key contributor to the evolving energy landscape.


Australian Energy Producers Journal 65, EP24267 https://doi.org/10.1071/EP24267
Submitted: 14 December 2024  Accepted: 21 March 2025  Published: 22 May 2025

© 2025 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing on behalf of Australian Energy Producers.

Abstract

The prevalence of global hydrocarbon production facilities creates enormous potential for equipment repurposing and life extension through conversion into carbon transport and storage facilities. This could extend the serviceable life of existing assets nearing the end of their production cycle, with the possibility of reducing the burden of new capital infrastructure for CO2 transport and storage through the repurposing of existing infrastructure. The paper highlights the key regulatory approvals for the requalification of offshore hydrocarbon production pipeline infrastructure for use with CO2 transport and permanent storage. It identifies the requirements of DNV-RP-F104 and AS 2885, as they relate to an Australian regulatory context. The paper describes a structured approach towards the requalification of a pipeline system for change of service to CO2, including the timing of requalification actions such as technical studies and mechanical tests. Specifically, it discusses the technical challenges for ensuring safety, material suitability, and component qualification for CO2, as well as identifying requisite new infrastructure and the potential challenges of modifications and repairs, pre-commissioning, first fill and injection processes.

Keywords: AS 2885, Australia, carbon capture and storage, carbon dioxide, CCS, CO2, CO2 storage, DNV-RP-F104, pipeline requalification, pipeline reuse.

Biographies

EP24267_B1.png

Logan McNeil graduated with Honours, Bachelor of Engineering (Mechatronics) from Edith Cowan University in 2023. Logan is a Graduate Engineer for Genesis Energies in Perth, starting his career in the energy consulting industry, working on green and blue hydrogen projects, Ammonia projects, and carbon capture and storage projects. Email: loganmcneil52@gmail.com

EP24267_B2.png

Alex Lockett is a Delivery Manager at Genesis Energies, where he oversees the multidisciplinary technical and commercial delivery of projects across the Australian business. With over 20 years of experience in engineering project execution, Alex has cultivated a strong track record in managing complex onshore, offshore, and subsea projects. Alex’s expertise spans regional and global value chains and energy solutions for projects, including conventional oil and gas, carbon capture and storage (CCS), hydrogen and its derivatives, and offshore wind. He is passionate about advancing decarbonisation and the energy transition, recognising the critical role the responsible use of conventional hydrocarbons plays in ensuring a sustainable and reliable energy future. Driven by a collaborative mindset, Alex works closely with clients and stakeholders to deliver innovative, high-value projects. His commitment to fostering trust and creating meaningful solutions positions him as a key contributor to the evolving energy landscape.

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