Carbon capture study reveals major opportunity for WA

• New study reveals the potential for developing Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) hubs in WA
• Cook Government to invest $4.3 million to progress CCUS in WA
• CCUS vital to tackling climate change and delivering global energy security

The Cook Government will invest more than $4 million to establish a world-leading Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) industry in Western Australia as a new study reveals the State's enormous potential as a hub for carbon storage.

CCUS involves capturing and storing carbon dioxide to reduce emissions from industrial-scale processes and projects, and will play an important role in decarbonising hard-to-abate industries across the world.

The study, commissioned and co-funded by the WA LNG Jobs Taskforce and undertaken by CSIRO and the Global CCS Institute, has found WA is capable of storing its own carbon and turning existing infrastructure into CCUS hubs.

To help progress CCUS in WA, the Cook Government will invest $4.3 million towards a CCUS Action Plan – putting WA at the forefront of the industry globally.

The Action Plan will aim to accelerate deployment of proven CCUS technologies in WA, support research into new CCUS technology and attract investment in CCUS.

The Cook Government is expected to introduce legislation to allow for the transport and storage of greenhouse gasses by the end of the year, supporting CCUS opportunities.

The study is available at https://www.wa.gov.au/government/announcements/new-study-the-potential-of-ccus-hubs-wa.

Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:

"WA is a world leader in mining and natural gas, and that means we are perfectly placed to become a world leader in Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage.

"We can leverage our skilled workforce, existing infrastructure and unique geology to attract global CCUS investment – helping to create local jobs and strengthen our State's economy.

"We know there is growing demand from our trading partners for projects that support their energy security, but that also incorporate CCUS.

"My Government is committed to slashing our State's emissions and supporting decarbonisation across the globe – and CCUS will play an important role in managing the transition to a low-carbon future."

Comments attributed to Mines and Petroleum Minister Bill Johnston:

"Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage will provide WA's industrial and mining industries with access to opportunities to decarbonise.

"Understanding the benefits of developing one or more CCUS hubs, and developing legislation to facilitate greenhouse gas transportation and storage, is important for our State's future."