Transport of Carbon Dioxide and Radioactive Waste

Abstract

A comparative assessment of carbon dioxide (CO2) and radioactive waste transport systems associated with electricity generation was undertaken on the basis of 15 criteria grouped under three areas, namely the transport chain, policy aspects and state of the technology. For CO2, we considered exclusively the transport that would take place under a future large-scale capture and storage infrastructure. Our study allowed a certain hierarchy of criteria to be identified for the comparative assessment. We discovered that the physical state for transport (fluid for CO2 and solid for radioactive waste) and the volumes involved are the key properties for determining the most suitable modes of transport. These are pipelines (on- and offshore) for liquid or supercritical CO2, and rail, ship or truck for spent nuclear fuel and high-level waste. Ship-based transport has also been suggested for future applications of large-scale CO2 transport. Leakage and accidental releases are the main risks underlying the safety policies of both transport systems. However, because of the large differences between transport chains, safety standards are specific to each system. Regulatory frameworks both at national and international levels are at very different stages of development. Routing is a common concern for both transport systems. In this study we cite over 90 references covering the main literature published on this topic over the last decade.