Carbon capture utilisation and storage: Action Plan

Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) is a value chain of technologies that removes carbon emissions from sources such as industrial or power generation facilities. Carbon can also be removed directly from the atmosphere, using ‘carbon dioxide removal’ (CDR) technologies which are related to CCUS.

CCUS is a value chain of technologies that:

• capture carbon dioxide (CO₂) from burning fuels or carbon generated from industrial activities
• transport captured carbon dioxide via pipelines, trucks, trains or ships to places where the carbon can be:
  • used to make products; or
  • stored permanently underground.   

CDR includes removing carbon from the atmosphere rather than at the point of emission. Some CDR methods include direct air capture (DAC) and mineral carbonation. 

Carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) and carbon dioxide removal (CDR) will play an important role in Western Australia’s transition to net zero emissions by 2050 by:

1. Decarbonising and reducing emissions from our existing industries.
2. Supporting the development of new low-carbon industries.
3. Enabling the removal of carbon directly from the atmosphere.

In the short to medium term, CCUS will play a key role in the gas sector, which will be needed for the transition to renewable energy sources. In the longer term, the most important role for CCUS will be in applications in other hard-to-abate and low-carbon industries and in removing carbon directly from the atmosphere. 

In developing a world leading CCUS industry in Western Australia there are two key strategic opportunities:  

1. Supporting the transition to net zero.
2. Supporting economic diversification through the development of new low carbon industries.

There is opportunity for Western Australia to leverage its key advantages to become a world leader in CCUS.  

Skilled workforce
Western Australia has a well-established workforce with the skills, experience and technological expertise needed to support a thriving CCUS industry.

Existing infrastructure
Western Australia has existing, strategically located infrastructure.  

Suitable geology
There is potential for CCUS projects through our suitable geological storage formations, both onshore and offshore.

Energy ecosystem
Western Australia already features dedicated energy hubs, established export markets and a track record of delivering successful major projects.

Vision
Our vision is to establish a world leading CCUS industry in Western Australia that supports the transition to a low-carbon future and the State’s economic diversification.

Objectives
The Action Plan sets the following objectives to realise our vision of establishing a world leading CCUS industry in WA:

1. Enable the accelerated deployment of proven technology and infrastructure
2. Support the development of new and emerging CCUS technology
3. Attract investment
4. Foster coordination and collaboration across government, industry and research to facilitate action

The Western Australian Government is taking action in six key areas to achieve our vision and objectives.

Implement a leading legislative and regulatory framework for CCUS

• Finalise and implement the regulations, procedures and guidance underpinning the new greenhouse gas legislation to establish a fit-for purpose regulatory regime.
• Develop guidance to support proponents to navigate State and Australian Government legislative regimes for CCUS.
• Streamline approval processes for projects that support the energy transition, including CCUS.
• Uphold high standards of operational, maintenance, and health, safety and environmental practices to support international competitiveness in CCUS.  

Work with industry to enable and facilitate CCUS projects

• Establish an industry-government engagement mechanism to support the growth of a CCUS industry. 
• Explore options to encourage data sharing among proponents across the CCUS value chain.
• Support industry to further develop the business case for CCUS hubs.
• Explore options to use existing funding mechanisms to provide support to both CCUS projects and enabling infrastructure.
• Investigate opportunities for CCUS in the decommissioning value chain.
• Continue to work with the Australian Government to explore options to support the CCUS industry in Western Australia.

Share information and knowledge 

• Establish an online ‘one stop-shop’ for information on CCUS in Western Australia. 
• Provide accessible and credible information to enhance community awareness and understanding of CCUS.
• Expand available pre-competitive geological data for prospective CCUS and mineral carbonation locations in Western Australia.

Support research, development and demonstration with clear pathways to commerciality

• Support new research aligned to the Mineral Carbonation Roadmap.
• Continue to work with Cooperative Research Centres to support innovation in CCUS through RD&D.
• Enable better access to venture capital to drive innovation across a range of industries, including in CCUS technologies.  

Support Aboriginal and community engagement

• Support early engagement and enduring partnerships between Government, industry, Aboriginal people and regional communities on CCUS.

Attract investment and deepen strategic international partnerships.

• Continue to promote Western Australia and deepen international partnerships in targeted markets, including through Invest and Trade WA’s international office network.
• Work with our international partners to explore CCUS partnership opportunities.