Inpex's Northern Territory carbon capture project moves ahead for public comment
Darwin could become the regions largest carbon storage hub as Japanese giant Inpex’s plans for a massive offshore facility storing up to 10 million tonnes each year gathers momentum.
One of the world’s largest carbon capture project proposed for the Northern Territory has opened for public comment, as proponents back its potential to help decarbonise the region and reach the nation’s net zero goals.
Japanese oil and gas giant Inpex’s proposed Bonaparte Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Project would be based at Darwin’s Middle Arm and pump eight million tonnes of carbon dioxide 250km off shore each year.
More details of the project were published by the federal environment department on Thursday, showing it leaves the door open for both domestic and international customers to offload their carbon.
Under the proposal CO2 from “a range of industrial facilities in the region” would be processed at a Middle Arm facility before being transported via a 22-inch pipeline to six underground wells drilled in Commonwealth waters west of Darwin.
The proposal indicated site works would begin in 2028, with carbon sequestration from 2031 and an approximate 30 year operational lifespan.
Inpex senior vice president Bill Townsend said the project could “substantially contribute to decarbonising northern Australia and potentially the wider Indo-Pacific region”.
“It is proving to be one of the most promising carbon dioxide storage sites globally, with an anticipated capacity of more than 10 million tonnes per annum,” he said.
The joint venture with TotalEnergies and Woodside Energy was awarded major project status by the federal government in July.
Mr Townsend said it highlighted the proposal’s strategic importance in supporting the nation’s net zero goals.
“Significantly, this is the first offshore CCS project to receive major project status in Australia.”
Meanwhile critics warned going ahead with the project risked turning Darwin into a “dumping ground” for big emitters.
“Being a rubbish dump for other countries’ carbon pollution is the worst possible option for the NT,” Greens leader Larissa Waters said.
“Actually lead the way in the transition to renewable energy, and be proud and showcase your natural and cultural value – that’s what I think the future of the Territory should hold.”
Environment Centre NT also opposed the project, arguing CSS risked leaks and would bring more pollution through Middle Arm and the Darwin Harbour.
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Originally published as Inpex's Northern Territory carbon capture project moves ahead for public comment
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