Enabling CO₂ transport from local carbon capture sources for permanent storage purposes through the use of trucks as virtual pipelines

Abstract

Due to the demanding functional requirements for the transportation of carbon dioxide (CO₂), the feasibility of permanent carbon storage processes typically requires the construction of extensive pipeline infrastructure between carbon capture sources and carbon storage facilities. This paper explores the opportunity for CO₂ transportation utilising conventional land-based logistical transport, primarily trucks, operating as virtual pipelines for permanent CO₂ storage purposes in Australia. It explores the potential for increasing the economic viability of permanent storage for local industrial capture sources by reducing the transportation infrastructure capital and operational expenditure requirements, as compared to pipeline facilities. CO₂ transportation by truck also creates additional possible source streams for carbon storage facilities by increasing flexibility for import and permanent storage vectors. The paper proposes an operational strategy for carbon storage facilities to utilise trucks for CO₂ transport between local carbon capture facilities and permanent carbon storage facilities and includes assessments of the technology requirements for CO₂-qualified trucks, as well as the requisite supporting infrastructure requirements for effective CO₂ transportation, including loading and unloading systems, metering, and safety and control systems. Whilst this paper focuses primarily on truck transport, the same principals can be applied to other conventional transport vectors, such as rail.