The Western Australian government has taken a significant step towards establishing the state as a global leader in carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technology.

Premier Roger Cook recently announced the release of the state’s first CCUS Action Plan, accompanied by a $26 million funding boost for two pioneering CCUS projects.

The Action Plan aims to accelerate the deployment of CCUS technologies, which are crucial for reducing carbon dioxide emissions from hard-to-abate industries.

Western Australia is poised to develop numerous CCUS projects over the next decade, with an initial combined capacity to store over 20 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually — equivalent to approximately 25 per cent of the state’s current scope one emissions.

Premier Cook highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating: “My government is delivering on our clean energy plan to create local jobs, tackle climate change and set up our state for the future. CCUS will play an important role for hard-to-abate industries, and we’re positioning WA as a world leader in CCUS technology.”

The $26 million funding, allocated through the Investment Attraction Fund, will support two key CCUS projects.

A $15 million grant has been awarded to AGIG for the development of an onshore transmission pipeline for an offshore multi-user CCS hub in the Pilbara.

This project aims to transport carbon dioxide from facilities on the Burrup into depleted gas fields, with the potential to sequester up to five million tonnes of carbon dioxide in its initial phases.

Additionally, an $11 million grant will support Mitsui E&P Australia and Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers in developing the Cygnus CCS Hub in the Mid West.

This project is proposed to initially store around 530 kilotonnes of carbon dioxide per annum from the Waitsia Gas Plant and Wesfarmers Chemicals, Energy & Fertilisers’ CSBP ammonia plant in Kwinana.

Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael highlighted the state’s readiness to launch this new industry, noting: “This year the Cook government passed a Bill to enable the transport and injection of greenhouse gas emissions.

“Industry stakeholders are now working closely with government to develop and finalise the regulations governing how CCUS will operate in WA.”

The CCUS Action Plan, a key commitment under the Western Australian Sectoral Emissions Reduction Strategy released in December 2023, was developed in collaboration with the LNG Jobs Taskforce, industry representatives, research organisations, and government agencies.

As Western Australia positions itself at the forefront of CCUS technology, the state aims to leverage its existing infrastructure, highly skilled workforce, and suitable geological formations to attract major global investment.

This strategic move is expected to diversify the economy, create local jobs, and support the transition to a low-carbon future.