Avaliação de alternativas de transporte offshore de CO2 no Brasil

Abstract

CO2 Capture and Storage (CCS) potential in Brazil is relevant, particularly when considering the concentration of emission sources on the coast of the Southeast region, where two of the main Brazilian offshore basins are also located. However, the high costs of transport infrastructure and uncertainties associated with the supply and injection of CO2 can restrict the economic viability of this potential. Thus, this work evaluates the costs of implementing CO2 transport infrastructure on the Brazilian coast (offshore CO2 transportation), through a comparative analysis between offshore pipelines and ships. Seven routes were selected that connect ports in the vicinity of CO2 sources to mature oil fields, for which abatement costs were estimated for both modes. Findings show that, for greater distances and smaller volumes (usually above 400 km and below 10 MtCO2/year), the ship mode is economically advantageous, while for larger volumes and small distances, offshore pipeline mode becomes the most suitable alternative. Moreover, being a more flexible and less capital-intensive mode, ships adapt more easily to variations in CO2 injection rates and market changes and can benefit from a multipurpose fleet associated with LPG transport as well.