From CO2 capture to transport and storage, CO2 impurities may seem negligible. Yet they are a critical factor influencing safety, performance and costs throughout the CCUS (Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage) chain. As the deployment of CCUS accelerates in Europe and worldwide, understanding the role of CO2 composition becomes essential for designing reliable, scalable and economically viable infrastructures.
On March 6, 2026, European experts gathered for the webinar "Impact of CO2 Impurities on CCUS Chain Deployment", co-organized by a network of four EU-funded projects: ENCASE, HERCCULES, Eastern Lights and COREu. These projects are committed to the innovation and deployment of CCUS infrastructures.
As a partner in the COREu project, NaTran R&I took part in this webinar and moderated the session "Optimising CO₂ purity: the engineering-cost balance", alongside COREu project coordinator SINTEF.
In his presentation, NaTran R&I emphasized that the issue of impurities is not simply a compliance criterion, but a genuine strategic lever influencing costs and risks across the entire CCUS value chain. The best solutions are based on a balance between technical robustness and economic reality. In this respect, NaTran R&I has emphasized the importance of coordination between the various segments of the value chain, as well as the need to develop partnerships in order to create synergies.
Participation in this webinar also marks the 2nd anniversary of COREu, of which NaTran R&I is the only French partner among 43 from 13 European countries.
As a reminder, COREu is one of the largest research, development and innovation (RDI) projects in the field of CCS financed by a European program. Its aim is to demonstrate enabling technologies within the CCS value chain, through a demonstrator project (Prinos) in Greece and three new CCS routes in Central Europe.
Over the past two years, much of NaTran R&I's research work has focused on the issue of impurities in CO2, as part of this European project.
This project is unique in that it mobilizes three complementary areas of expertise at NaTran R&I: corrosion, fluid mechanics and gas quality.
On the theoretical front, NaTran R&I carried out a literature search on the impact of impurities and their effects on corrosion. This work has enabled us to consolidate existing knowledge, identify the main scientific gaps and define research priorities, in order to better assess the risks associated with CO2 transport, particularly for the Prinos project.
In terms of modeling, NaTran R&I has carried out a series of Flow Assurance simulations for the CO2 transport network. This study includes a benchmark of simulation tools based on experimental measurements, as well as the realization of various dynamic scenarios for the Prinos project. This work sheds light on the behavior of CO2 in its various states, under industrial-scale transport conditions.
On the laboratory side, NaTran R&I has conducted a study of gas quality analyzers for CO2 flows, and has acquired two analyzers whose performance will be evaluated. The equipment will then be put to the test in real-life conditions as part of the Prinos project. The know-how developed during this project strengthens NaTran R&I's expertise in CO2 flow quality analysis.
By combining scientific research, modeling and experimental testing, NaTran R&I supports the development of safe, high-performance CO2 transport chains, adapted to the challenges of the energy transition.
Beyond the technical breakthrough, this European collaboration illustrates how shared research drives progress across an entire sector. And by contributing to COREu, NaTran R&I is helping to build the common knowledge that will underpin the large-scale deployment of CCUS, in the service of industrial decarbonization and carbon neutrality.
To watch the full recording of this webinar: https: //www.youtube.com/watch?v=SDGCJjNcuys
To find out more about the COREu project: https: //coreu.eu/
