DNV advancing Skylark CO₂-pipeline JIP

DNV is advancing Skylark, a joint industry project (JIP) to enhance understanding of carbon dioxide (CO₂) pipeline operations. Skylark aims to provide safety insights through advanced modeling, real-world testing, and emergency response analysis.

A key JIP focus is understanding CO₂ behavior during pipeline incidents, including dispersion patterns under different terrain and weather conditions. Large-scale experiments at  DNV’s Spadeadam Research and Testing Centre, Brampton, UK, will study crater formation and dispersion. Wind tunnel testing at the University of Arkansas will complement field studies. Emergency response protocols will also be tested in real-world scenarios with first responders.

The project aligns with DNV’s Energy Transition Outlook 2024 report, which forecast that more than 200,000 km of CO₂ pipelines would be needed by 2050 to support industrial decarbonization (from 9,500 km currently). Early engagement has been strong, according to DNV, including a well-attended 2024 workshop at Spadeadam, which showcased prototype testing equipment and preliminary dispersion models.

Over its 3-year duration, Skylark will validate CO₂ dispersion models for varied terrain, develop emergency response best practices, and inform safety guidelines for pipeline routing, risk assessment and venting. Nine organizations are currently participating in the JIP, including the UK Health and Safety Executive Science Division (HSE SD), University of Arkansas, Ricardo’s UK National Chemical Emergency Centre, the National Centre for Atmospheric Science (NCAS), the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero (DESNZ), and UK’s national meteorological service (Met Office).

Skylark JIP is still open to participation; companies interested in participating can contact Daniel Allason, DNV.