Carbon capture and storage

Carbon capture is a process of separating and extracting carbon dioxide (CO₂) from the production of industrial sources such as fossil fuels, chemicals, steel or cement.

The carbon dioxide is captured and held by a liquid or solid material and compressed by a change in pressure or temperature to release pure CO₂ in preparation for processing and transportation.

After the carbon has been processed and transported it can be stored safely and permanently underground or underwater within deep rock formations.

Carbon dioxide emissions are extracted and captured from fossil fuels that generate electricity and from major industrial manufacturing industries producing cement, fertiliser, petrochemicals, iron and steel.

The primary advantage of carbon capture and storage technology is the capability to decrease greenhouse gas emissions while continuing to use fossil fuels and retain existing energy-distribution infrastructure.

There are three stages of capturing and storing carbon.

Stage 1: Capture

This process involves separating (capturing) CO₂ emissions from other gases produced at large industrial processing facilities such as coal and natural gas power plants, oil, steel and cement manufacturing plants.

Stage 2: Transport

This process involves compressing and transporting CO₂ to a deep, underground or undersea storage site usually via pipelines.

Stage 3: Safe underground storage

This process involves injecting and permanently storing CO₂ via injection wells into deep, underground or undersea rock.

Carbon capture and storage technology is not an alternative to renewable energy.

It is an emission reduction solution providing an opportunity to significantly decrease greenhouse gas emissions until newer low emission technologies become available.

Greenhouse gas can be safely captured and stored underground.

Underground and undersea rocks have stored large quantities of oil and gas as well as other gases including CO₂ for millions of years.

Greenhouse gas storage uses established technologies already in use in Australia and overseas.

Applications to undertake exploration activities must be accompanied by an environment plan which assesses environmental, social, economic and cultural matters.

The environment plan will be assessed by Earth Resources Regulation to ensure it meets relevant environmental standards.

Access to the Ninety Mile Beach Marine National Park is regulated under the National Parks Act 1975. Exploratory work is not permitted within the marine park.

The greenhouse gas is contained within porous rock overlaid by thick layers of non-porous mudstone cap rock and stored almost one kilometre beneath the ocean surface.

A permit holder is required to meet strict standards including applying for an Injection Licence to store carbon and undergoing a rigorous assessment by Earth Resources Regulation and NOPSEMA to ensure the site has an appropriate seal and is suitable for carbon storage.

A Greenhouse Gas Assessment Permit is granted through a competitive tendering process and is based on work program bids.

The permit authorises the permit holder to explore carbon storage sites in the permit area for potential greenhouse gas storage formations and gas injection sites.

Once a permit is granted and plans are approved, exploration work generally starts within two years as part of a six year program of work.

If exploration activities identify undersea formations are suitable for greenhouse gas injection and storage, then the permit holder needs to submit a separate application for a Greenhouse Gas Injection Licence.

No. The applicant needs to apply for an Infrastructure Licence to construct and operate any facility in the offshore acreage to inject greenhouse gases.

The Victorian Government regulates all aspects of greenhouse gas capture and storage activity within Victorian waters to ensure it is safe, open and transparent and does not adversely impact the environment or community.