INPEX carbon capture and storage project off Darwin gets federal Major Project status

Potentially one of the world’s largest Carbon Capture and Storage projects planned for off the coast of Darwin has taken a giant leap forward with the Albanese Labor government giving it Major Project status.

Inpex. The Pacific Breeze at the Inpex onshore facilities

Potentially one of the world’s largest Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) projects planned for off the coast of Darwin has taken a giant leap forward with the Albanese Labor government giving it Major Project status.

Federal Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science Tim Ayres made the announcement Thursday, at the same time renewing the Major Project status for the Territory’s SunCable solar energy project.

The Bonaparte Carbon Capture and Storage Project, an INPEX Browse E&P-led joint venture started Preliminary Front Engineering and Design (pre-FEED) work in April.

It followed the successful completion of both the selection of engineering concept and a comprehensive appraisal program that included 1800 square kilometres of new 3D seismic surveying and two carbon dioxide storage appraisal wells.

Inpex has reached a major milestone with its proposed Carbon Capture Storage plans off the coast of Darwin

Inpex said the appraisal program confirmed the presence of a high-quality saline aquifer reservoir in the Bonaparte Basin together with thick sealing formations considered suitable for safe and permanent long-term carbon storage.

The other co-venturers are TotalEnergies CCS Australia and Woodside Energy.

The development location is about 260 km offshore Darwin. The venture was formed in 2022 to appraise greenhouse-gas (GHG) storage assessment acreage in Block G-7-AP.

INPEX managing director and country chair Australia, Mr Tetsu Murayama, said the announcement highlighted the Bonaparte CCS Project’s recognised potential to support a

lower carbon future.

INPEX managing director and country chair Australia, Mr Tetsu Murayama. Picture: INPEX

“Being awarded Major Project Status is pleasing acknowledgement by the Australian

Government of the Bonaparte CCS Project’s strategic importance in supporting the nation’s net zero goals,” Mr Murayama said.

“Significantly, this is the first offshore CCS project to receive Major Project Status in Australia.

“Appraisal works confirmed a high-quality saline aquifer reservoir with thick sealing

formations which appear suitable for safe and permanent carbon storage in the Bonaparte

Basin. It is proving to be one of the most promising carbon dioxide (CO2) storage sites globally, with an anticipated capacity of more than 10 million tonnes per annum.

“This means the Bonaparte CCS Project could substantially contribute to decarbonising

northern Australia and potentially the wider Indo-Pacific region.”

Mr Murayama said INPEX would continue engaging closely with community, and the Australian and Northern Territory governments to advance this significant project.

Federal Industry and Science The new Industry and Science Minister Tim Ayres Picture Thomas Lisson

Minister Ayres reaffirmed the Albanese Government’s commitment to modernising Australia’s energy system to bring online affordable and renewable energy.

“By granting Major Project Status to key renewable energy initiatives, the Australian Government is strengthening its commitments to a cleaner future,” he said.

“Backing in renewable energy projects strengthens and diversifies the local supply chain while directly creating regional job opportunities and attracting further investment.

“Granting Major Project Status to these initiatives marks a pivotal step in driving structural economic transformation and regional reindustrialisation, a crucial part of the Albanese Government’s Future Made in Australia strategy.”