International engineering consultancy Penspen has secured a major contract to design a national carbon dioxide transport network across Switzerland, the company announced Tuesday.

The pre-front-end engineering design (pre-FEED) contract, awarded by CO2 Pipeline Schweiz AG, marks a significant step in Switzerland’s strategy to establish large-scale carbon capture and storage infrastructure.

The study focuses on the high-level design of a core pipeline corridor connecting Basel and Zurich. Engineering teams will also assess potential onward connections to extend the network across eastern and central Switzerland.

Under the agreement, Penspen will develop the technical design for the main pipeline backbone and its associated hubs. This includes the placement and specification of compressor stations, intermediate valve stations, and other critical infrastructure. 

The consultancy is also tasked with route optimization, site selection, and ensuring the network aligns with national regulatory standards.

A primary goal of the project is to establish consistent technical standards for future pipeline developments. These frameworks are expected to provide a roadmap for regulators and infrastructure operators, accelerating the deployment of Switzerland's carbon management value chain.

“The proposed network is designed to serve multiple emitters, including waste incineration facilities, cement producers, and industrial sites,” said Darren Bartlett, Penspen’s director of engineering and energy transition. 

He noted that the award reflects a rising demand for early-stage engineering that ensures carbon infrastructure is both safe and scalable.

Penspen’s teams in Aberdeen and London will lead the project, which is scheduled for completion in March 2027.

Dominik Wlodarczak, CEO of CO2 Pipeline Schweiz AG, said the partnership would benefit from Penspen’s extensive history with CO2 systems, including similar pipeline projects in the United Kingdom and the United Arab Emirates.