Geosequestration - Storing Carbon Emissions

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a process that involves the capture, transport, injection and storage of greenhouse gases (including carbon dioxide – CO₂) deep underground for long-term safe and secure storage.

The best sites for storage are deep geological formations, such as depleted petroleum fields or deep natural aquifers filled with saline water.

In June 2008, Coolimba Power commissioned the Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC) to undertake a study to assess the potential for the underground storage of carbon dioxide in depleted oil and gas reservoirs in the North Perth Basin, in WA’s Mid West region.

In June 2008, AWE (formerly ARC Energy) joined the study and committed to providing CO2CRC with detailed geological data of the oil and gas fields of the North Perth Basin – ideal targets for geosequestration.

The use of CCS is an important part of the global effort to reduce CO₂ emissions and to confront climate change.

The development of a CCS industry is of particular relevance in Australia as the world's largest coal exporter and fourth largest coal producer. Coal is Australia's largest export and is the primary fuel for around 80 per cent of Australia's current power supply.  Australian energy demand will double by 2050.

In September 2008 the Australian Federal Government established the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute based in Canberra to drive the deployment of low emission coal technology. Other leading developed countries have joined the Institute.

The Federal Government has acknowledged that the early commercialisation of CCS is critical to meeting the target of a 60 per cent reduction in emissions by 2050.

Carbon Geosequestration Fact Sheet