Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) is emerging as a crucial technology in the global energy transition. By capturing CO₂ emissions at source and storing them safely underground, CCS helps heavy industries reduce their carbon footprint while maintaining reliable energy production.
The UK is positioning itself as a leader in CCS, with billions of pounds of investment backing major projects such as Viking and Acorn. These initiatives aim to develop extensive CO₂ transport and storage networks in the Southern North Sea and East Irish Sea, making use of the UK’s unique offshore expertise and existing energy infrastructure.
As CCS moves from concept to large-scale deployment, one element is proving fundamental to its success: the use of high-quality, corrosion-resistant piping and materials. Transporting and storing CO₂ safely requires exceptional performance, reliability, and long-term durability, qualities that sit at the core of what Special Piping Materials provides.
With decades of experience supplying Duplex, Super Duplex and Stainless Steel to some of the world’s most demanding sectors, Special Piping Materials is proud to support the growing CCS industry with materials that are engineered for strength, precision and longevity.
Why Materials Matter in CCS
CCS infrastructure is highly demanding. CO₂ is corrosive under high-pressure and low-temperature conditions, meaning that pipelines, valves, injection wells, and processing plants must be engineered to exacting standards.
The wrong material choice can lead to premature wear, leaks, or failures, potentially compromising both safety and the effectiveness of the CCS project. Durable alloys, duplex and super duplex steels, and nickel-based components form the backbone of reliable CCS systems.
Ultimately, CCS is not just about capturing carbon; it’s about transporting, storing, and securing it safely over decades, which makes material selection a critical factor for success.
UK CCS Infrastructure – Scale and Opportunity
The UK’s CCS potential is enormous. Estimates suggest that the Southern North Sea alone could store up to 1,000 million metric tonnes of CO₂, with additional capacity in the East Irish Sea.
The government’s Track 1 CCS projects are receiving significant financial support to accelerate deployment, while Track 2 initiatives explore further opportunities, creating a landscape rich in technical challenges and engineering innovation.
This scale of activity signals a growing demand for specialist materials capable of performing in offshore, subsea, and high-pressure environments. From transport pipelines to injection wells, every component must meet stringent standards for safety and durability.
Challenges for Materials in CCS
CCS is not without its challenges. Key material considerations include:
- – CO₂-Induced Corrosion: Carbon dioxide can form carbonic acid under certain conditions, accelerating corrosion in standard steel.
- – Pressure and Temperature Resistance: Pipelines and storage systems must withstand high pressures and fluctuating temperatures over decades.
- – Long-Term Integrity: Infrastructure is expected to last for decades with minimal maintenance, demanding materials that perform consistently.
- – Regulatory Compliance: CCS projects operate under rigorous safety and environmental standards, which extend to the quality and traceability of materials used.
These challenges make specialist materials suppliers essential partners for CCS developers, ensuring that infrastructure operates safely and efficiently from day one.
Special Piping Materials – Supporting CCS Infrastructure
At Special Piping Materials (SPM), we have over 35 years of experience supplying high-performance alloys, duplex and super duplex steels, and nickel-based components to energy infrastructure projects worldwide.
Our products are trusted in demanding environments, from offshore oil and gas facilities to high-pressure subsea pipelines. This expertise translates directly to the emerging CCS sector, where materials must meet exacting standards for corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, and long-term reliability.
By combining technical knowledge, rigorous quality assurance, and a global supply network, SPM ensures that engineers and project managers can rely on the integrity of every pipe, fitting, and flange. Our materials help make CCS infrastructure safe, durable, and ready for the challenges of a decarbonising world.
Looking Ahead – Materials & the Future of Decarbonisation
As the energy transition accelerates, CCS will play a crucial role in reducing carbon emissions, alongside hydrogen, renewable energy, and other low-carbon technologies.
The success of these initiatives depends not only on policy, funding, and innovation but also on materials engineering — the often unseen but indispensable foundation of every energy system.
Specialist materials will continue to enable safe, reliable, and efficient infrastructure, whether for transporting CO₂, hydrogen, or other critical energy vectors. Companies that prioritise quality, innovation, and technical excellence will help build a future where energy is sustainable, secure, and scalable.
The future of global energy relies on more than technology and policy — it depends on the materials that make it all possible.
At Special Piping Materials, we’re proud to be part of this journey, providing high-performance, reliable components that underpin some of the world’s most challenging and innovative energy projects.
To learn more about how we support CCS and other critical energy infrastructure, connect with our team to discuss your next project.