About greenhouse gas capture and storage

In Queensland, greenhouse gas storage refers to the storage of captured carbon dioxide (CO₂). The CO₂ is typically produced from the use of fossil fuels in electricity generation and industrial processes. CO₂ may also be captured from bio-based processes, and directly from the atmosphere via direct air capture. The process is also known as carbon capture and storage (CCS).

A company that wants to explore for greenhouse gas storage sites and eventually inject CO₂ must first apply for a greenhouse gas exploration permit and an environmental authority. Any native title requirements will also need to be addressed before an exploration permit is granted.

Carbon capture and storage process

Although each carbon capture and storage project is unique, CCS projects typically include the following steps:

1. A source of CO₂ is identified, such as an industrial facility or power station.
2. CO₂ is captured from its source and separated from other gases or contaminants.
3. CO₂ is cooled and compressed into a liquid in advance of transporting.
4. Compressed CO₂ is transported to the storage site via pipeline or truck.
5. CO₂ is injected through a well into deep underground geological formations at depths of 800 metres or more. It is permanently trapped by
   • geological storage—using surrounding solid rock to stop the gas from moving out of the formation
   • using water in the formation to absorb the CO₂
   • mineralisation—using coal or other compounds in the rock to bind the CO₂.
6. The migration pathways of greenhouse gas streams are monitored before, during and after injection into the relevant greenhouse gas storage reservoir.

Underground reservoirs and aquifers

Greenhouse gas storage exploration is similar to petroleum and gas exploration because both involve exploration for a suitable geological reservoir.

Crude oil and natural gas, including CO₂-rich waters, are stored naturally underground, where they are trapped in deep reservoirs. These reservoirs are porous geological formations that are capped by an impermeable layer of rock, which acts as a seal.

Figure 1: Vertical cross-section of ground layers showing where gas, petroleum, coal and groundwater can be found. Insets compare reservoir and seal composition.

Sediments accumulate to form successive layers of rock with varying permeabilities that overlay an impermeable hard-rock geological basement.

Highly porous and permeable layers can store hydrocarbons and/or water and are referred to as reservoirs or aquifers, respectively. Layers of lower permeability (usually with smaller grain and pore sizes) seal the reservoirs and aquifers, preventing the loss of hydrocarbons and/or mixing of groundwaters.

Sedimentary basins hold resources that are often targeted for a variety of activities (i.e. extraction of hydrocarbons, coal and water), all taking place within a small area but at different depths. Water extraction, for instance, can occur at very shallow depths from unconfined (unsealed) aquifers or from greater depths from confined (sealed) aquifers.

Groundwater impacts

The intent of exploration is to investigate the capacity for geological storage of CO₂ of potential reservoirs at depths much greater than usable sources of groundwater. Any identified reservoir would be contained by one or more seals, which is a prerequisite of CO₂ geological storage and containment.

Carbon dioxide dissolved in water is not toxic. Naturally occurring dissolved CO₂ is present in high concentrations in certain areas of the Great Artesian Basin. Leaks of CO₂ are extremely unlikely because the geological formations that would be used to store the CO₂ are not open and are sealed by one or more impermeable layers.

Figure 2: CO₂ droplets injected into the pores of a sandy reservoir; upward migration is prevented by the low permeability of the overlaying seal rocks.

What happens if a suitable reservoir is found

If a suitable reservoir for CO₂ storage is found during the exploration phase, the exploration permit holders will need to apply for a greenhouse gas injection and storage lease and secure the required environmental approvals before any commercial storage of CO₂ is undertaken.

Current Australian projects

In Queensland, the Carbon Transport and Storage Company (CTSCo) trial project in the southern Surat Basin is focused on capturing CO₂ from a coal-fired power station, transporting to site and permanently storing the CO₂ deep underground.

In Victoria, the CO2CRC Otway Project has injected and stored more than 80,000 tonnes of CO₂. Additionally, the CarbonNet Project is working towards establishing a commercial scale carbon capture and storage network in Gippsland, Victoria.

In South Australia, the Santos and Beach Energy Moomba carbon capture and storage project will permanently store carbon dioxide in the same reservoirs that previously held oil and gas.

The Australian Government has also released offshore areas for potential greenhouse gas storage.

Also consider...

• Read our guide to the application process for resource authorities for general information about lodging an application.
• Find out how to comply with your resource authority and the land access code.
• Find out more about greenhouse gases.
• Learn about current global carbon capture and storage projects.