The Impact of CO₂ on Infrastructure Integrity: Pipelines and Storage Site Durability in CCUS Applications

The distinctive thermodynamic and chemical characteristics of carbon dioxide (CO₂) pose serious challenges to the infrastructure integrity in carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) applications. The effect of CO₂ on geological storage sites and pipeline transportation systems is rigorously reviewed in this paper, with particular focus on damage mechanisms, material selection, and design considerations. Unlike prior studies that often examine surface or subsurface CO₂ infrastructure in isolation, this work offers a comprehensive, system-level perspective that bridges the full CCUS chain, from pipeline transport to subsurface storage. By integrating multidisciplinary insights from corrosion science, geomechanics, materials engineering, and case studies, it presents a strategic framework for understanding and mitigating integrity threats across interconnected CCUS components. The effectiveness of contemporary monitoring and mitigation strategies is also evaluated. The review highlights the urgent need for improved materials and cutting-edge monitoring systems to ensure the long-term safety and reliability of CCUS infrastructure, identifies significant knowledge gaps, and outlines future research objectives.