Pioneering CCS in Australia – the CarbonNet journey

Abstract

The CarbonNet Project (CarbonNet), a trailblazing Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) initiative, is progressing through what has been a transformative 14-year journey. Situated in southeast Victoria, this project has evolved from an interesting concept into a multifaceted project that promises to contribute to decarbonisation via its carbon dioxide (CO₂) transport and storage project. Established in 2009 and funded by both Australian and Victorian Governments, CarbonNet has been at the forefront of the CCS journey in Australia. Its primary objective is to establish a hub in the Latrobe Valley, where a diverse range of industries supply CO₂ for transport through an underground pipeline to the project’s initial offshore storage site, known as Pelican, in the globally renowned Gippsland Basin. The CarbonNet journey has been marked by significant milestones, including legislative changes to accommodate its future storage goals. Knowledge sharing and regulatory engagement have also been an ongoing priority, facilitating a robust feedback loop to ensure alignment with contemporary environmental standards. Adapting to dynamic market conditions, the project is working to secure customers within the rapidly evolving CO₂ market whilst seeking to create a robust business model. More recently CarbonNet has been observing the emergence of proposed offshore wind and onshore transmission projects in the Gippsland region. This explosive growth of new energy solutions within Gippsland has created challenges and opportunities for the project. Jane Burton will provide an insightful overview of CarbonNet’s remarkable evolution, highlighting the critical role it plays in the journey towards establishing a net-zero future.