CO₂RE

Project introduction

The CO₂RE project (CO₂ Reaction Experimentation) is a two-year research programme initiated by Gasunie and EBN with DNV as research contractor. The project focuses on understanding how different amounts and combinations of impurities react under realistic CO₂ transport conditions in the gas and dense phase.

At this stage, the research consists of controlled batch experiments in these CO₂ phases, where impurity ratios, pressure and temperature are systematically varied. These experiments enable detailed quantification of reaction rates, identification of reaction pathways, and assessment of the conditions that lead to the formation of corrosive species.

The outcomes of these batch experiments will form a basis for selecting and prioritizing the project’s next steps. These subsequent phases are expected to include:

• Testing under flowing conditions, to investigate how factors such as turbulence and residence time influence reaction kinetics in pipeline relevant environments.
• Advancement of optical in-situ measurement techniques, enabling real-time composition monitoring at high pressure and temperature without the need for depressurization or sampling.

Together, these activities contribute to developing a robust and scientifically grounded safe CO₂ composition specification for future CO₂ transport and storage projects.

Technical background

CO₂ behaviour is highly sensitive to temperature, pressure, and impurities. When CO₂ transitions between gaseous, dense, and liquid phases, the solubility and phase distribution of impurities can change significantly.

Of particular concern is acid formation. Impurities such as water, SO₂, NO_x, H₂S and O₂ can react to form corrosive acids which could pose a significant risk to CCS assets.

CO₂RE studies both fast and slow reaction chains by conducting controlled laboratory experiments across a range of conditions.

• Reaction kinetics across 1–200 bar and 5–50 °C
• Phase dependencies (gas, dense, liquid)
• Flow conditions (stationary, steady flow).

About the Gasunie, EBN and DNV collaboration

The CO₂RE project brings together Gasunie, the Dutch public network operator which is developing the national CO₂ transport network, EBN, the state energy company helping to develop and oversee safe, long‑term CO₂ storage in the Netherlands, and DNV’s expertise in CO₂ materials, chemistry, flow, and safety.

• Gasunie and EBN define the need for validated impurity specifications
• DNV performs laboratory R&D and kinetic modelling
• Results are shared openly with the CCS community.

Results and publications

As the CO₂RE project progresses, this section will publish research findings, datasets, and technical reports generated through the collaboration between Gasunie, EBN and DNV.