CO2 SpecChain

Joint Industry Project

The CO2 SpecChain JIP aims to develop a unified framework addressing the CO2 composition challenges across the value chain.

Challenge

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is widely recognised as a critical technology for reducing global CO2 emissions, particularly in hard‑to‑abate sectors such as cement, steel, and power generation. While the fundamental principles of capturing, transporting, and storing CO2 are well established, large‑scale deployment still faces several technical, economic, and regulatory challenges. These range from the efficiency and reliability of capture technologies to the long‑term integrity of geological storage reservoirs. In addition, variation in CO2 composition across emitters and more complex value chains presents considerable challenges for CCS projects by introducing corrosion risks, elevating safety requirements, and increasing the need for continuous monitoring.

DNV sees that the lack of alignment on handling impurities in CO2 is a key showstopper for moving CCS projects forward. Also, limited alignment and knowledge of the effect of impurities throughout the CCS value chain have currently led to stringent specifications. There is a lack of focus on a holistic view of the operational phase, evaluating the composition from source to sink.

The basis for handling impurities in a CO2 value chain can be divided into three parts, and there is limited knowledge on this in the industry:

  • How to design the composition based on the emitter, value chain (infrastructure) and end user (storage/usage) premises
  • How to monitor the composition and quantity of CO2 in operation
  • How to manage composition, mitigate risk and handle off-spec composition.

Solution

Develop a unified and transparent framework for defining, assessing, and managing CO2 stream compositions across the entire CC(U)S value chain to ensure safe, efficient, and scalable operations.

Objective

  • Mapping and alignment of CO2 specifications across the full value chain
  • Provide a holistic overview of challenges related to CO2 specifications
  • Identify knowledge gaps critical for scaling Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS)
  • Develop methodologies for impurity assessment.

Key Deliverables

Guidelines for assessing CO2 compositions through the value chain

Benefits

Take part in shaping the framework for handling impurities in CO2.
Opportunities to collaborate with the industry experts.
Influence the direction of work to align with industry needs.
 

Project details

The project will be managed by DNV Høvik.

Planned start-up: Q2 2026

Duration: 1 year

Proposed fee structure:

  • Emitter/Research institutions: 300 kNOK
  • Operator/Contractor/Consultancy: 600 kNOK
  • Authorities/Observers: Free of Charge

Target budget: 5.5 MNOK

Join the initiative

We invite emitters, operators, research institutions, contractors, consultancies, and authorities to participate in this important Joint Industry Project. Your expertise and collaboration are vital to shaping and aligning the framework for handling impurities in CO2 in the operational phase throughout the value chain. This will elevate the industry framework and ensure the continued success of CCS projects. For more information on how to join, please contact DNV’s JIP coordination team.