In a significant step towards achieving net-zero emissions, Australia has successfully launched its first onshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) project.
The Moomba CCS project, a joint venture between Santos and Beach Energy, has commenced carbon dioxide injection and reached full operational capacity, marking a crucial milestone in the country’s efforts to combat climate change.
Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch hailed the achievement, stating: “At Moomba, Santos has proven what the industry has long known — that CCS is real and it works. It’s a first for onshore in Australia.”
The project demonstrates the Australian oil and gas sector’s commitment to driving progress towards net-zero emissions by deploying proven technologies to reduce carbon output.
The Moomba project, along with Chevron’s Gorgon project, positions Australia as a host to two of the world’s largest CO2 storage initiatives.
Together, these projects are capable of storing emissions equivalent to removing one million cars from the road annually.
Globally, there are over 50 large-scale CCS projects in operation, with an additional 550 under development.
This momentum is crucial for achieving climate goals, as emphasised by McCulloch: “The International Energy Agency, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and CSIRO all clear that there is no pathway to net zero without CCS.”
CCS technology is particularly vital for the manufacturing sector.
Without it, industries such as fertiliser and chemical production, iron and steel, and cement manufacturing will face significant challenges and increased costs in their efforts to reach net-zero emissions.
To meet Australia’s net-zero targets by 2050, experts suggest that between two and 20 Moomba-scale CCS projects need to be constructed annually.
This presents a substantial opportunity for job creation and investment attraction in the country.
McCulloch highlighted Australia’s natural advantages in CCS implementation, citing “world-class geology, industry experience, and strong links with regional trading partners looking to collaborate on CCS”.
These factors position Australia favourably in the global race to reduce carbon emissions.
Despite the progress made with the Moomba project, McCulloch expressed concern about the lack of policy support for CCS technology in Australia.
She stated: “Australia is increasingly out of step with the rest of the world in failing to provide meaningful policy support for this critical technology.”
To address this issue, McCulloch called for a technology-neutral, least-cost approach to emissions reduction that includes CCS.
This strategy, she argues, is essential for Australia to reach its net-zero goals while managing cost-of-living pressures for households and businesses.
As Australia continues to navigate the complex landscape of emissions reduction, the success of the Moomba CCS project serves as a beacon of progress and a call to action for policymakers to support and expand this crucial technology.