Designing a Cost-Efficient System to Reduce Power Plant Carbon Impacts

SOLUTION

For the FEED, we performed preliminary design and construction bid evaluation and an engineer‑procure‑construct (EPC) lump sum price for the scope of the project, which included two CO₂ pipelines and three metering and regulation (M&R) stations. This work was necessary for the utility to proceed with permitting of the project as well as deciding on the next phase of the project development.

The preliminary design included:

• CO₂ dispersion study.
• Materials selection and fracture mitigation.
• Mechanical, civil and electrical design for the pipelines and facilities.
• Route selection and constructability evaluation for two 16-inch CO₂ pipelines extending approximately 6 miles.
• One M&R station at the plant’s CCS facility and two M&R stations at the injection well pads.

The pipeline routes included horizontal directional drilling crossing and road boring, as well as additional design and safety considerations due to the pipeline route traversing a coal mining area. Additionally, we prepared cost estimates by obtaining quotes for materials, equipment and construction services, and coordinated with other contractors involved in the CCS project.

RESULTS

Our extensive background in pipeline work helped us develop a cost‑efficient FEED solution that could win permitting approval, allowing flexibility for further refinement in the detailed design phase. We leveraged knowledge obtained from other engineer‑procure‑construct (EPC) endeavors to obtain reliable quotes for routing, procurement and construction services, all of which informed a detailed cost estimate. Minnkota obtained a clear picture of future costs, project risks and schedule if it decides to proceed with construction of the CCS system at the plant.