CO2 on track

Challenge

DNV’s CCS Energy Transition Outlook, published in June 2025, highlights that carbon capture and storage (CCS) is at a pivotal moment, with global capture and storage capacity projected to quadruple by 2030. In this context, efficiently linking capture sites to storage locations is becoming increasingly critical. Four transport modes are currently viable: pipelines and ships –more mature and widely deployed– and trains and trucks, which play a growing strategic role, especially in early‑stage and regionally dispersed CCS developments.

Transporting CO₂ by train can offer a promising solution for accelerating CCS deployment, particularly in regions lacking pipeline infrastructure or facing long permitting timelines. Rail networks offer a flexible and scalable alternative, enabling captured CO₂ to be moved efficiently from industrial sources to storage sites or utilization hubs.

There are still important knowledge gaps in large‑scale CO₂ rail transport, especially concerning railcar design, logistics, safety, and value‑chain elements like loading facilities and buffer storage. Addressing these could unlock CCS potential for smaller dispersed emitters and pilot-stage projects, lowering upfront capital costs and accelerating deployment.

Solution

To unlock the full potential of rail transport, the industry needs consistent technical guidance and a shared basis for design and operations. The CO₂ on Track Joint Industry Project is structured to close current knowledge gaps by examining railcar design, operating conditions, logistics, and the interface with the wider CO₂ value chain.

Leveraging its extensive experience with CO₂ pipelines and shipping, DNV aims to develop a coherent set of guidelines supported by insights from participating partners, collating unique operational and technical perspectives. This collaboration will help shape outputs that can credibly support future industry standardization efforts, such as the development of Recommended Practice s and international standards.

The scope will be refined together with participating partners to ensure the work directly supports real project needs and accelerates the uptake of rail based CO₂ transport.

Activity 1: Integration into the CCS value chain

Initial feedback suggests that participants who are developing value chains involving CO₂ transport are unclear on how best to integrate into value chains.

Core scope:

1. Define typical train transport configurations and layouts
2. Define standardised loading/unloading best practice and protocols
3. Define best practice for metering and CO₂ purity control
4. Provide indicative sizing for buffer storage, including strategies for using railcars as temporary buffer storage.

Optional:

1. Extended integration guidelines with other transport modes, namely pipelines, ships, trucks
2. Development of a dynamic model for buffer storage tank operations.

Activity 2: Logistics

Several participants consistently highlight gaps in understanding how many railcars are needed, how to plan loading/unloading windows, and how to coordinate with rail operators, making logistical clarity key to project feasibility.

Core scope:

1. Define key logistical parameters
2. Estimate the optimal number of railcars
3. Outline typical time and space requirements for loading/unloading
4. Identify high‑level coordination needs with rail operators.

Optional:

1. Contingency scenario analysis and mitigation strategies
2. Detailed logistical modelling (dwell time, cycle time)
3. Advanced scheduling and coordination optimisation.

Activity 3: Technical and operational guidelines

Early developers indicate that the absence of harmonized technical guidance creates design divergence and inefficiencies, so establishing common operational and design principles is critical for scalable deployment.

Core scope:

Review current state-of-the-art and develop best practices for CO₂ rail transport, including:

1. Identify gaps in existing knowledge and operational experience
2. Loading and unloading:
   1. Define standardized protocols and best practices
   2. Recommend optimal equipment options (e.g., couplings)
3. Railcars:
   1. Specify CO₂ composition requirements
   2. Define optimal thermodynamic conditions
   3. Provide guidance on material selection and insulation needs
   4. Ensure compliance with rail and hazardous material regulations in the main jurisdictions.

Optional:

1. Develop digital tools or templates for operational procedures.

Activity 4: Safety and risk management

Ensuring a safe and controlled transport process requires clear and consistent safety and risk frameworks, as highlighted by participant feedback.

Core scope:

Establish best practices for safe and reliable CO₂ rail transport, including:

1. Explore loading and unloading protocols and equipment standards
2. Determine maintenance and monitoring procedures (pressure, temperature, leak detection)
3. Set procedures and responsibilities for prolonged train stops, in the two main configurations: fully loaded and with the heel
4. Define venting procedures
5. Perform dispersion modelling for risk assessment
6. Create emergency response protocols for accidents or leaks.

Optional:

1. Implement advanced real-time monitoring systems for leaks and pressure anomalies
2. Develop simulation tools for risk scenarios and decision-making
3. Create interactive training modules and certification programs
4. Conduct full-scale emergency drills with stakeholders
5. Explore options for monitoring technologies for rail transport safety
6. Personnel training.

Activity 5: Economic and environmental assessment

Stakeholders note that decision making is hampered by limited visibility on cost drivers and environmental impacts, so providing comparable economic and sustainability benchmarks is crucial for evaluating project viability.

Core scope:

1. Identify the main economic drivers of CO₂ rail transport
2. Provide typical indicative CAPEX and OPEX values
3. Describe typical environmental impacts
4. Detailed life cycle assessment.

Optional:

1. Tailored economic modelling for different CCS chain configurations
2. Comparative analysis versus pipelines, ships and trucks.

Project details

Geographical location: Global
Kick-off expected date: Q2 2026
Expected duration: 12 months

To discuss participation in the CO₂ on Track joint industry project, please contact Alessandro Bove.