Variant optimization for a green ammonia pipeline: Case study of Sauda/Norway

The transition to sustainable energy is crucial for addressing anthropogenic climate change, with green ammonia emerging as a key alternative to fossil fuels. Iverson eFuels AS is planning a green ammonia plant in Sauda, Norway, including a ca. 2800 m long pipeline tunnel to transport ammonia to a storage area at the fjord. This article elaborates on the early-phase variant optimization of the tunnel design, conducted at a pre-Front-End Engineering Design (pre-FEED) stage with limited ground data. Despite common concerns about time and effort, advanced 3D ground modeling and parametric modeling were employed due to the project‘s complex ground conditions and specific technical requirements. These digital tools enabled efficient and comprehensive design assessments, leading to a tunnel route that is optimized with respect to multiple different objectives. Furthermore, the advanced 3D modeling helped to heavily revise a more complicated previous longer pipeline tunnel that also included a valve pit. This case study highlights the benefits of using advanced modeling techniques early in the project lifecycle, demonstrating how they can enhance both the efficiency and quality of engineering solutions, even with limited initial data.