CSIRO and partners scope NT CCUS hub

CSIRO, the Northern Territory Government, industry and engineering companies have joined forces to develop a path towards rapid emissions reduction across the energy sector in Northern Australia.

CSIRO will lead the new consortium in the development of a business case to assess the viability of a large-scale low emissions Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) hub outside of Darwin.

CSIRO says the hub would significantly reduce emissions, but also catalyse the growth of new sustainable industries that could continue throughout the energy transition. If built, it would be one of the world’s largest facilities of its kind, open to a wide range of different industries.

If realised, the hub would enable the development of an interconnected hydrogen industry and the utilisation of the carbon dioxide captured in other industrial processes, such as production of other non-fossil fuel alternatives for transportation. It could also create a blueprint for future low emissions hubs around Australia.

The business case will assess the hub’s viability and outline options to significantly reduce the emissions of the Territory’s gas industry, providing a tangible pathway towards the region’s net zero emissions targets.

CSIRO Chief Executive Dr Larry Marshall said CSIRO’s expertise across the energy domain, along with its deep connection with industry, meant it was well placed to lead the work.

“As Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO is always looking for ways to bring business and government together to envision and deliver a more sustainable future for some of our largest industries,” he said. “The NT hub could create new jobs and export pathways, and give Australia a global advantage by pushing the boundaries of science and technology to put home-grown innovation into real world demonstration projects, including through our Hydrogen Industry mission.”

With expertise in hydrogen and CCUS, CSIRO will provide impartial scientific advice, coordinate the development of detailed concept designs, build international linkages, and conduct geological research and economic and customer studies. The business case will apply best practice learnings from international low-emission industrial hub projects. It will also consider all technology solutions and engage with industry and community stakeholder groups as Australia navigates the transition pathway to a low emissions future.

Industry and engineering companies who have committed to collaborating on the business case include Santos, INPEX, Woodside, Eni, Origin Energy and Xodus.

Image: ©stock.adobe.com/au/tomas