The study focuses on the high-level design of a CO2 pipeline corridor between Basel and Zurich, with consideration of onward connections across eastern and central Switzerland. The work forms part of Switzerland’s wider effort to establish carbon transport infrastructure capable of supporting national emissions reduction targets.
Darren Bartlett, Director of Engineering and Energy Transition at Penspen commented, “This appointment builds on Penspen’s global experience supporting large scale CO2 transport and storage projects and reflects the growing demand for early phase engineering studies that can underpin the safe and practical deployment of carbon management infrastructure.”
Proposed pipeline route (Image: CO2 Pipeline Schweiz AG)
Penspen’s scope covers the technical design of the pipeline backbone and associated hubs, including intermediate valve stations, compressor stations and supporting infrastructure. The project, delivered by Penspen’s engineering teams in Aberdeen and London, will also provide routing support, site selection input, support to the economic evaluation and guidance on regulatory and standards alignment for CO2 transport within the Swiss context. The project is scheduled to complete in March 2027.
A key objective of the study is to help shape consistent technical and assessment standards for CO2 pipelines in Switzerland. These standards are intended to support future project development and provide a common reference for operators, regulators and stakeholders.
Penspen has extensive engineering experience in long-length pipeline projects for the transportation of CO2, with recent work including the HyNet CO2 transportation pipeline at Liverpool Bay in the UK and a dense phase CO2 pipeline in the United Arab Emirates.
