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NETL Releases Updated Version of CO2_T_COM Transport Cost Model
July 09, 2025
Underground CO2 pipelines.

NETL has released an updated version of a tool to help decision makers, planners, and researchers calculate costs for installation of new underground CO2 pipelines.

NETL released an updated version of its popular open-source tool that helps industry decision makers, planners, and researchers calculate the cost of transporting carbon dioxide (CO2) by pipeline from capture points to where it can be stored underground or converted into useful products.

The tool, supported by the U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Fossil Energy and Carbon Management (FECM), known as the FECM/NETL CO2 Transport Cost Model (CO2_T_COM), is an Excel-based tool that estimates revenues and capital, operating, and financing costs for transporting liquid phase CO2 by pipeline.

The newest version of CO2_T_COM features minor updates and a refreshed user manual that describes the new algorithm for calculating the capital costs for natural gas pipelines as a function of pipeline length and diameter. Natural gas pipeline capital costs are the basis for calculating capital costs for CO2 pipelines in the model.

CO2_T_COM and its users’ manual are available here.

The new version retains the sheet named “Cases” that was introduced in the previous version of CO2_T_COM. This sheet enables users to define different combinations of pipeline length, average annual CO2 mass flow rate, capacity factor and elevation change along the pipeline and calculate costs for each combination. This allows users to explore and compare the costs associated with these different combinations of input variables.

CO2-dedicated pipelines move CO2 to areas of need, including sites using CO2-enhanced oil recovery. Understanding and screening costs to implement CO2 pipeline infrastructure can support deployment of hydrocarbon technologies in addition to CO2 storage.

NETL is a U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) national laboratory dedicated to advancing the nation's energy future by creating innovative solutions that strengthen the security, affordability and reliability of energy systems and natural resources. With laboratories in Albany, Oregon; Morgantown, West Virginia; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, NETL creates advanced energy technologies that support DOE’s mission while fostering collaborations that will lead to a resilient and abundant energy future for the nation.