Tallgrass Energy and Project Canary have partnered in a project to make Tallgrass’ +1,700-mile Rockies Express pipeline (REX) the first interstate natural gas transmission pipeline in the US to implement real-time emissions detection and monitoring across all its compressor stations. The Payne Institute at Colorado School of Mines will partner with Project Canary to review and validate data.
REX will also be the first pipeline to differentiate carbon neutral transportation capacity from others along its system, according to the companies, enabling continued evolution of certified carbon-neutral gas services. The ability to differentiate between carbon-neutral and other system segments will be the first step toward tip-to-tip certification and tracking of gas molecules, including responsibly sourced gas (RSG) and renewable natural gas.
The bidirectional REX is one of the country’s largest natural gas header systems, with a total capacity of more than 4.4 bcfd, bringing gas to Midwestern markets from producing basins in both the Rockies and Appalachia. REX initially will dedicate specific capacity to moving certified RSG from Appalachian producers to the Midwest.
Project Canary will quantify emissions data, track progress, and certify Tallgrass’ operational and environmental performance. The certification process is expected to begin fourth-quarter 2021 and be completed by mid-2022.
REX became fully operational in 2009. It is owned by Tallgrass (75%) and Phillips 66 (25%).
