From Gas to Green: A Pipeline’s Second Act

Tallgrass revives a 392-mile gas line for CO₂ transport, cutting costs and boosting U.S. carbon goals

13 Oct 2025

Tallgrass Energy has converted its 392-mile Trailblazer natural gas pipeline into a carbon dioxide transport line, marking a key step toward a national carbon network. The line will move CO₂ captured from ethanol plants in Nebraska and nearby states to underground storage sites in Wyoming.

By reusing existing infrastructure, the company avoided much of the cost and permitting complexity that typically delay new pipeline projects. The retrofit is viewed by industry analysts as a model for cutting expenses and accelerating timelines in the buildout of carbon capture and storage systems.

“Repurposing existing assets can make carbon management more viable by bringing projects online faster and at lower cost,” said one energy analyst. The approach allows operators to take advantage of federal 45Q tax credits sooner, which can help finance additional storage and transport capacity as emissions regulations tighten.

Tallgrass also introduced a $500,000 community fund to support more than 200 towns along the Trailblazer route, a gesture aimed at reinforcing local engagement after years of public opposition to pipeline projects. Company executives said the initiative reflects a broader effort to link clean energy development with local economic benefits.

The project comes as US regulators work to refine CO₂ pipeline safety standards, balancing oversight between state and federal authorities. Public confidence, observers note, will depend on transparency and consistent safety performance as the new carbon network expands.

The Trailblazer conversion, now entering phased operation, highlights how the US energy sector may advance its climate goals not only by constructing new systems but by adapting those already in place. Industry groups say the approach could become central to national carbon management efforts if early results prove reliable and cost-effective.