Clean Energy Network Analysis (CENA) Co-Optimization of Hydrogen and Carbon Dioxide Infrastructure in a Net-Zero U.S. Economy

As the U.S. transitions to low-cost, low-carbon energy, new infrastructure will be needed to transport hydrogen, carbon dioxide, and synthetic fuels. How do we optimize development of new infrastructure and make use of existing gas pipeline rights-of-way to reach net-zero targets?

This study, led by GTI Energy and Carbon Solutions LLC, with support from the Low Carbon Resources Initiative (LCRI), a partnership of EPRI and GTI Energy, provides the first geographically detailed view of how H₂ and CO₂ infrastructure can be co-optimized to support a net-zero U.S. economy.

Why It Matters

Building the backbone of a low-emission energy system is complex but achievable. With system-wide planning, the U.S. can capture synergies, leverage existing rights-of-way and storage geology, and connect demand centers to accelerate deployment at realistic build rates.

Key Takeaways

• H₂ and CO₂ infrastructure are central to least-cost net-zero pathways in the U.S.
• New modeling enables co-optimized, geospatial planning of these assets.
• High interconnectivity found, especially in Appalachian region scenarios.
• Project-by-project planning risks missing synergies and creating inefficiencies.
• Broader planning captures opportunities beyond immediate hub boundaries.
• Deployment is feasible since pipeline build rates align with recent natural gas benchmarks.