ExxonMobil assesses carbon storage project off Australian coast

EXXONMOBIL has announced that it is assessing the possibility of a carbon capture and storage (CCS) hub in the Gippsland Basin, Australia.

The planned South East Australia CCS hub (SEA CCS) would use existing infrastructure for storing CO2 in the Bream field off the coast of Gippsland in Victoria. Up to 2m t/y of CO₂ could be stored, and Exxon is currently in discussion with local emissions-intensive industries which may wish to have access to SEA CCS.

Joe Blommaert, President of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions, said: “Collaboration with other industries is an important step to unlock future carbon capture and storage opportunities for Australia, with the potential for large-scale reductions in the highest emitting industrial sectors. Sound Government policies will accelerate the deployment of key technologies required to support society’s ambition for a net-zero future.”

Exxon said it is currently undertaking pre-FEED studies and that SEA CCS could be operational by 2025 if it meets feasibility requirements.