A novel Optimal Power Flow model for the design of CO2 networks

The successful implementation of Carbon Capture and Utilization (CCU) and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) requires the development of a CO 2 infrastructure connecting CO 2 sources and sinks. From an economic standpoint, pipelines are the only way to transport large quantities of CO 2 over land. In this work a techno-economic optimization approach for the design of CO 2 networks, incorporating detailed physical constraints, is evaluated. The proposed Optimal Power Flow (OPF) model integrates detailed Power Flow calculations, to analyze pressure drops during gaseous, supercritical, and dense phase CO 2 transport. The methodology is applied to various sample networks to assess its applicability across different topologies, including branched and meshed configurations, as well as networks with long transmission lines. Also, the computational performance of the proposed approach is evaluated. The results show that the model can determine cost-optimal pipeline routes as well as pipe diameters, strategically place booster stations with respect to balancing investment costs and operational feasibility, and eliminate redundant connections in meshed systems. Network topology has been found to have a significant impact on optimal design. The model allows for varying network complexities and scales, making it applicable to both small-scale projects and large-scale CO₂ infrastructure initiatives. The study provides a scalable framework for designing CO 2 infrastructure to support large-scale decarbonization efforts, offering valuable insights for policymakers and engineers.