- New and repurposed infrastructure appraised in separate projects
- NSTA-commissioned studies freely available to all
- NSTA continues backing the growing industry
The carbon storage industry has been given a significant boost today (30 July 2026) with the publication of two NSTA-commissioned studies into the challenges posed by transporting carbon dioxide through offshore pipelines.
Penspen’s report looks into the properties of new-build pipelines. The wide-ranging study looks at topics including contaminant management, fracture control, long-distance subsea tiebacks, metering, and flow modelling and concludes that there are no significant hardware blockers. There is however limited whole system experience of large-scale offshore CO2 pipelines around the world.
Therefore, there is significant reliance on hydrocarbon pipeline experience, supported by modelling and testing, rather than proven CCS systems in making design assumptions.
And, as a result, the detailed requirements for CCS pipeline systems – including for factors such as system integration, validation, and alignment across technical, commercial and regulatory interfaces - require resolution.
Addressing these areas will be critical to establishing industry best practice and enabling the successful large-scale deployment of new CCS infrastructure in the UK.
The second report, produced by DNV, looks at the potential repurposing of existing offshore hydrocarbon pipelines and associated equipment for CO2 transportation. It focuses on what factors must be taken into account when considering the case for repurposing and includes a methodology for repurposing evaluations and two case studies to illustrate its application.
After considering key criteria the report concludes:
- Repurposing offshore hydrocarbon infrastructure is technically feasible and cost efficient compared to new build
- The condition of existing infrastructure must be assessed and found to be sufficient for the proposed new service
- Running ductile fracture, a phenomenon relevant to dense phase CO2 pipelines, is a key factor in determining repurposing suitability
- Pipelines can generally be repurposed; some for dense phase operation, others for gas phase. If neither is feasible, a new pipeline is required.
Ernie Lamza, NSTA Technology Manager, said:
'The NSTA is committed to supporting the growing carbon storage industry and this work is intended to help licensees, potential licensees and the supply chain in a critical part of their business.
'These reports, produced by external consultants, and freely available from them, will help existing and future developers look at the potential for repurposing existing pipelines and installing new infrastructure.'
Nigel Curson, Executive Vice President – Technical Excellence, Penspen, said:
'Carbon capture and storage represents one of the UK's most significant opportunities in the energy transition, allowing the country to build on decades of world-class oil and gas engineering expertise.
'Penspen is delighted to have delivered this study, which identifies the key actions needed to support the safe, efficient and successful large-scale deployment of new CO2 transportation infrastructure.'
Hari Vamadevan, Senior Vice President and Regional Director, UK and Ireland, Energy Systems at DNV, said:
'As the UK scales up its CCUS industry, the reuse of offshore hydrocarbon pipelines presents a significant opportunity to accelerate deployment while making the most of existing assets.
'DNV is proud to have supported the NSTA in advancing understanding of this opportunity, which has the potential to unlock economic value, reduce capital expenditure and shorten project timelines for emerging CCUS value chains.'
The new studies follow a raft of information the NSTA has produced for the carbon storage industry. Guidance on the safe, effective and transparent delivery of carbon storage projects was published on 16 July 2026 (NSTA support for carbon storage industry) and a first set of stewardship expectations were provided in September 2025.
The UK’s second carbon storage licensing round was launched in December 2025 and the bids received in March 2026, are now being evaluated.
Background
Penspen: Home - Penspen
DNV: Maritime classification and advisory | DNV
Source: NSTA
