Detailed Design of the CO2 Pipeline System for HyNet Liverpool Bay Carbon Capture and Storage Project

Project Background

HyNet North West is a UK-based project comprised of several different elements designed to decarbonise the industry-heavy northwest of the UK around Liverpool Bay. The overall project includes plans for a hydrogen production plant, a hydrogen transport network and hydrogen storage, as well as CO2 transport and undersea storage. 

Penspen has secured a contract from United Living Infrastructure Services to deliver the detailed engineering phase of the CO2 pipeline. 

This project is the first project of its kind to reach a detailed design phase for the high-pressure cross-country transportation of CO2. It is a major cog in the wider HyNet Project Network, designed to transform the North West into the world’s first low carbon industrial cluster by 2030. 

Penspen’s rich experience in delivering detailed engineering on pipeline projects of this nature and scale was one of the factors in the client nominating Penspen as their preferred pipeline sub-consultant. 

Services

The pipeline will run from the Ince Facility in the northwest of England, to the Point of Ayr Terminal on the north coast of Wales, via the Stanlow Refinery. It will transport CO2 to be stored in depleted gas reservoirs up to 1km below the seabed in Liverpool Bay. 

The route will also feature six block valve stations along the way, as well as five above ground facilities (AGI) accommodating the new CO2 network. 

Penspen will provide the detailed engineering phase for the development of the CO2 pipeline, enabling ongoing progress for one of the UK’s most prestigious carbon capture projects. 

Penspen will also carry out: 

• 3D modelling of AGI’s 

• Design Risk Reviews 

• Process engineering of this CO2 system 

Value

This project is critical to the development of the UK’s energy transition network, powering progress towards nationwide Net Zero targets. The HyNet project will have the potential to reduce CO2 emissions by up to 10 million tonnes in the 2030s. 

Commenting on the project, Darren Bartlett, Director of Energy Transition and EPM at Penspen, said: 

“The HyNet North West project will be transformational for the UK’s energy network and is a highly prestigious, first-of-its-kind project in the UK. For Penspen, this is a pivotal contract award that highlights our reputation as specialists in supporting complex energy transition projects around carbon capture and storage, applying over 70 years of engineering expertise to meet the challenge of reaching net zero.  

 “This is a major win for Penspen and we are incredibly proud of the trust placed in us by clients to deliver highly technical projects that are driving progress towards a cleaner energy future here in the UK.” 

Campbell Crawford, Managing Director, United Living Infrastructure Services said: “We are pleased to appoint Penspen to deliver the engineering design on this project. They have an exceptional track record in delivering complex detailed design for onshore pipelines, making them one of the few companies in the UK with the expertise to help us deliver this major energy transition project.”