South West Hub CCS Project: Lessons to be learned from the 2014 3D seismic survey
Martin Burke A and Dominique Van Gent ADepartment of Mines and Petroleum, Government of Western Australia.
The APPEA Journal 55(2) 473-473 https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ14108
Published: 2015
Abstract
The South West Hub (SWH) project is Australia’s first carbon capture and storage (CCS) flagship project. Managed by the WA government’s Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP), the SWH is assessing the geological properties of a proposed CO2 storage site in the southwest of WA to determine its feasibility. This includes collating detailed geological information, partnering with researchers, acquiring baseline data, consulting with communities and stakeholders, and negotiating land access.
Recent activities have included a 2D seismic survey in 2011, drilling of a stratigraphic well (Harvey–1) in 2012 and a comprehensive (115 km2) 3D seismic survey in 2014.
A further drilling program is planned for the fourth quarter of 2014 until the first quarter of 2015.
The 2014 3D seismic survey has been described as one of the most complex land-based seismic surveys conducted in Australia due to environmental factors, and competing land use and land access constraints.
This extended abstract reviews the recent 3D seismic survey, including the development of the project’s scope and procurement processes through to community engagement and implementation, and outlines how the lessons are being incorporated into the upcoming drilling program.
It will also discuss legacy issues that have impacted on community attitudes and confidence, and the challenges of working with potentially hostile communities, and also demonstrate how the project adopted and adapted best practice engagement guidelines and toolkits for CCS projects to achieve successful outcomes.
Martin Burke has an Arts degree (politics and international relations) and a master's in politics and public policy from Macquarie University. He is the project manager for the South West Hub carbon capture and storage (CCS) project which is managed by the Western Australian Department of Mines and Petroleum. He started work on CCS in 2007 while working in coal policy for the Australian Government. As part of the National Low Emissions Coal Initiative, Martin was the government representative on a working group formed to establish the National Research Program and ANLEC R&D. He also assisted in the formation and running of the National Low Emissions Coal Council and establishment of the Global CCS Institute. He led the process that established the international definition of CCS Ready and contributed to the Institute’s policy and regulatory work program. |
Dominique Van Gent is the coordinator of carbon strategy with the Department of Mines and Petroleum in WA. He has a master's in literature and communication and an MBA. Dominique worked in regional development, assisting the resources industry on major projects, including the development of industrial areas and infrastructure issues. He played a key role in establishing local content strategies that maximised opportunities for regional firms on the construction of the Collie power station and other projects. He has a long-term interest in industrial development and is a former chair of the Small Business Centre in Bunbury. Dominique has worked closely with industry on low emissions technology that has now developed into the South West Hub carbon capture and storage project. |
