The global manufacturing industry is one of the top contributors to carbon dioxide emissions. These emissions result not only from the combustion of fossil fuels but also from core industrial processes themselves. Decarbonising hard-to-abate sectors such as steel, cement, and chemicals is no longer a distant ambition but an urgent necessity. Among the most direct ways to achieve this is through the integration of carbon capture and storage systems at the point of emission.
While much of the focus is on capture technology, one critical element often overlooked is the on-site storage solution. Industrial facilities need a way to safely and efficiently hold thousands of cubic meters of liquefied carbon dioxide before it is transported for sequestration or utilisation. This is where LPV tanks present a clear advantage.
The Storage Space Dilemma at Industrial Sites
Manufacturing plants are usually located in dense industrial zones where land is limited and overhead space is crowded with piping and process infrastructure. Introducing multiple conventional cylindrical tanks would require significant space, civil works, and auxiliary systems. Each tank brings a web of pumps, valves, pipework, and support structures that complicate installation and ongoing operations.
LPV tanks are custom-designed to fit the exact boundary conditions of the site. Their prismatic, compact shapes make them space-efficient while delivering high-volume capacity. By reducing the number of individual tanks needed, LPV also reduces the number of interfaces, simplifying site design and reducing long-term operational complexity.
Built for Safety, Efficiency, and Ground Constraints
Every manufacturing site presents unique environmental and structural challenges. From earthquake zones to dockside platforms, the LPV tank is engineered to meet specific operational loads and safety standards. Its wider support base reduces ground force concentration, which can minimise or eliminate the need for piling or deep civil engineering.
For safety-critical applications, LPV tanks can be internally compartmentalised. This design feature not only increases resilience in the event of system failure but also enables better pressure and volume management across the tank.
Case Study: Steel Manufacturing Facility in Northern Europe
A steel plant situated along the North Sea coast emits approximately 3.85 million tons of carbon dioxide per year. This equates to over 10,000 tons per day or roughly 9,400 cubic meters of LCO₂ that must be stored on site daily.
To accommodate daily variations in capture rates and ensure smooth logistics to off-site sequestration, a total on-site buffer of 50,000 cubic meters was required. Using LPV technology, this capacity was delivered through four 12,500 cubic meter tanks. A comparable cylindrical setup would have required at least 10 tanks of 5,000 cubic meters each, covering roughly double the footprint and requiring significantly more auxiliary infrastructure.
In this example, the LPV solution led to a total space savings of 50 percent and projected capital and operational savings in the tens of millions of dollars over a 20-year lifespan.
Why LPV is the Right Fit for Industrial Carbon Storage
Industrial emitters must decarbonise quickly and cost-effectively. LPV tanks give manufacturers the flexibility to implement CCS with fewer compromises. By reducing complexity, footprint, and cost, LPV helps turn decarbonisation from a long-term ambition into an immediate operational upgrade.
Whether located in space-constrained chemical plants or large-scale cement factories, LPV storage tanks can be configured to maximise performance, safety, and return on investment.