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. Assu