WA’s Geological Superpower - and how Decarbonology helps you leverage Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage (CCUS)

CO2 geological storage projects and prospective geological storage regions. Geoscience Australia September 2024.

Western Australia (WA) is at a critical juncture. As a global hub for the energy and resources sector, it faces the dual challenge of meeting ambitious emissions reduction targets while maintaining its economic powerhouse status. A key technology at the heart of this transition is Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS).

CCUS is a multi-step process that captures carbon dioxide (CO2​) emissions from industrial sources, transports it, and either reuses it or permanently stores it deep underground. In WA, this isn't just a theoretical concept; it's a practical solution being actively pursued to decarbonise the "hard-to-abate" sectors like LNG, mining  and heavy manufacturing.

WA’s geological superpower – and how Decarbonology helps you leverage it

What makes WA so well suited for CCUS? It's our geology. The state is home to several sedimentary basins with vast potential for secure and long-term CO2​ storage.

As the map from Geoscience Australia clearly illustrates, several of Australia's most promising basins for CO2​storage are located right here in WA. The Carnarvon Basin and Browse Basin off the state's Northwest coast are particularly high ranked, offering immense capacity in deep saline aquifers and depleted gas fields. Other basins, like the Perth Basin, also hold significant potential, making them prime locations for CCUS hubs that can serve multiple emitters.

WA only active commercial carbon capture and storage (CCS) project is Chevron's Gorgon Project, which injects captured CO2 into the Dupuy Formation sandstone more than 2 km beneath Barrow Island.

This is where Decarbonology steps in. We possess the specialised expertise to help your organisation navigate this complex landscape. Our services include:

• Basin suitability & geosequestration assessment: Leveraging geological data, we can help assess the suitability of potential storage sites for your specific project, from initial screening to detailed reservoir characterisation.

• Feasibility studies & project development: From concept to execution, we guide you through the intricate process of developing CCUS projects, ensuring technical viability and regulatory compliance.

• Certification & verification of carbon credits: From feasibility analysis to documentation, registration, certification and verification, Decarbonology support proponents to generate international or Australian carbon credits.

From policy to projects: Decarbonology's expertise in WA's CCUS action plan

Recognising this potential, the WA government has launched a CCUS action plan, supported by significant funding. The plan aims to:

• Accelerate proven technology: Support the rapid deployment of established CCUS technologies and infrastructure.

• Attract investment: Position WA as a global leader to draw in private and international capital.

• Establish a clear framework: Provide regulatory certainty to fast-track projects.

While the Gorgon CCUS project already demonstrates the technology's potential, new initiatives like the Cygnus CCS Hub are progressing. Navigating these developments requires deep knowledge of both policy and practical application.

Decarbonology offers critical support in:

• Regulatory & permitting navigation: Understanding and complying with the evolving regulatory framework for CCUS in WA is crucial. We provide expert guidance to streamline your approval processes.

• Investment & funding strategy: We assist in developing compelling proposals to attract the necessary funding and investment for your CCUS ventures, aligning with government incentives and private capital.

• Emissions auditing & reporting: Our team ensures your CCUS initiatives integrate seamlessly with your broader emissions reduction strategies, providing robust verification and reporting services.

The Big Picture: Partnering with Decarbonology for a shared vision

While CCUS is not a silver bullet, it is a crucial tool in the decarbonisation toolkit for WA's industrial heartland. It will work alongside the deployment of renewable energy and energy efficiency to help the state achieve its net zero goals.

Partner with Decarbonology to unlock the full potential of CCUS for your operations. Our expert team is ready to provide the strategic advice, technical assessments, and project management capabilities you need to successfully implement CCUS, reduce your carbon footprint, and contribute to a sustainable future for Western Australia.

Contact us today to discuss how Decarbonology can power your CCUS journey.