The Western Australian Government has launched a new study on the opportunities and benefits of carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) and carbon capture and storage (CCS) development in WA.
Commissioned by the LNG Jobs Taskforce, the study will help inform the future of the state’s existing gas industry and the development of new industries and projects.
Eni and BP have joined existing Taskforce members Shell Australia, Chevron, Santos, and Woodside, as well as NERA and the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation as partners in the study.
CSIRO and the Global Carbon Capture Storage Institute will conduct the study, which is expected to be completed in the second half of 2022.
The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) has said it backs the study, with director Claire Wilkinson stating the research would provide critical intelligence on how best to deploy CCUS and CCS to decarbonise not just the state’s gas industry but many other sectors as well.
“CCUS and CCS have key roles in lowering the carbon intensity of gas production and in supporting the development of a blue hydrogen industry here in WA, a key enabler to a viable hydrogen industry,” said Wilkinson.
“The study will help us chart a way forward with natural gas set to be a key part of a cleaner energy mix.”
Established by Premier Mark McGowan in 2018, the LNG Jobs Taskforce brings together industry, government and unions to collaborate on challenges and opportunities for WA’s existing LNG sector, with the aim of maximising local jobs and establishing WA as a global LNG hub.
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