A carbon capture and storage project in the state's South West has been selected by the federal government to share in $120 million in initial funding for prefeasibility work.
A carbon capture and storage project in the state's South West has been selected by the federal government to share in $120 million in initial funding for prefeasibility work.
Mines and Petroleum Minister Norman Moore today welcomed the inclusion of the Collie South West Hub Project for a share in a federal government program that has a budget of $2 billion.
Mr Moore said the project was a candidate for funding through the federal government's Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Flagships Program.
The minister said the project, which had previously received state government and industry funding, would analyse the suitability of locations to store carbon dioxide in the Southern Perth Basin between Bunbury and Mandurah.
"This project may also prove beneficial in developing clean coal technology," he said.
Mr Moore said the hub, one of four projects announced by Federal Resources and Energy Minister Martin Ferguson today, was eligible to share in $2 billion funding to help reduce Australia's greenhouse gas emissions.
"This is great news for this State and will initially enable the Collie South West Hub Project to share in $120 million of Federal funding for pre-feasibility work on the project," he said.
"The project has the potential to develop as a carbon dioxide storage hub and collect carbon dioxide from surrounding industry, including coal-fired power plants. It aims to store up to 3.3 mega tonnes of carbon dioxide per annum."
WA has international recognition for its carbon capture and storage plans through the Gorgon Project which was announced in September and is the biggest CCS project in the world.
The minister said both projects would help to position this state as a leader in low emission technology.
"Examining the effectiveness of this technology and the manner in which industry and the State Government can work collaboratively to deliver this technology will help WA make a significant cut to its greenhouse gas emissions," he said.
"With coal-fired power stations remaining a vital part of the State's energy mix, implementing CCS technology is crucial in creating a low emissions future and in fighting climate change."
The nominated projects announced by Mr Ferguson today were reviewed by an independent expert panel which was set up in consultation with the National Low Emissions Coal Council and the Global Carbon Capture and Storage Institute.
