As the Department of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety (DEMIRS) prepare for new greenhouse gas and hydrogen regulations, staff had the opportunity to build their knowledge around the research and equipment contributing to its safe implementation.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) In-Situ Laboratory is a carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) technology demonstration site located near Harvey, 120km south of Perth. Storing carbon dioxide in deep geological formations can help reduce atmospheric emissions and support the transition to lower-emission industries. This research facility plays a crucial role in research and understanding risks. Following the introduction of State Government legislation for greenhouse gas transport and storage and natural hydrogen exploration and extraction, DEMIRS staff visited the facility to learn about CCUS technologies and observe equipment being used. This knowledge will help in preparing for the integration of these emerging resource industries within Western Australia.
The In-Situ Laboratory Initiative is a collaboration between CSIRO, Commonwealth Department of Industry Science and Resources, DEMIRS and the Japanese Research Institute of Innovative Technology for the Earth.
DEMIRS employees from the Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA) and Resource and Environmental Compliance Division visited during the drilling of the Harvey 5 well, which will be used to research the impact of CCUS near a geological fault. During the visit, CSIRO staff presented their research and demonstrated equipment designed to monitor CCUS. These technologies aim to ensure the safe and permanent underground storage of carbon dioxide. Supporting regulations are currently in draft with a completion date expected by the end of 2025, in line with the Western Australian Government’s CCUS Action Plan.
The visit also included inspections of equipment installed by GSWA to detect natural hydrogen during operations on Harvey 5, as well as ongoing soil gas sampling in nearby farmland. The recent legislative changes include provisions for exploring and extracting natural hydrogen.
This inspection provided DEMIRS staff with valuable insights into the equipment and procedures related to CCUS and natural hydrogen exploration at the Harvey research site.
Further details about the In-Situ Laboratory can be accessed on the CSIRO website, while information about GSWA’s initiatives is available on the department’s website.
The legislative amendments can be found on the Parliament of WA website.
