Australia approves seabed site for Japanese carbon storage project

Australia designated a seabed storage site near its northern coast on Thursday. The site is reserved for a Japanese energy company that plans to store massive quantities of carbon dioxide. The approval moves the project closer to implementation.

Inpex will lead the initiative. The company intends to inject carbon dioxide into a deep saline aquifer called West Peron. The site can hold up to 443 million metric tons of CO2 over 35 years. The project begins in Darwin, the capital of the Northern Territory, and extends 162 miles offshore into the Timor Sea.

Inpex stated that the primary customer will be the nearby Ichthys liquefied natural gas facility. Inpex holds a majority stake in that facility. The facility exports most of its gas to Japan. Other companies may use the site for storage in the future.

The project faces criticism from climate scientists and environmental groups. Proponents argue that carbon capture and storage will reduce emissions from hard-to-clean industries such as steel production and shipping. Critics contend the technology prolongs reliance on fossil fuels. They also warn that construction and operation will harm marine habitats.

The area overlaps with habitats for threatened species, including dugongs, turtles, and seabirds. Chelsea Deng, a campaigner at the Australian Marine Conservation Society, described the construction phase as a major disturbance. She noted that dredging, drilling, and piling will cause sediment disturbance and chemical discharge. Deng said underwater noise from seismic surveys could affect whales and plankton up to 3/4 of a mile away.

Australian Resources Minister Madeleine King supported the designation. She said in a statement that carbon capture and storage will play an important role in reducing emissions from hard-to-abate industries. King described the step as part of Australia's transition to net zero. The government has not responded to requests for further comment.

Inpex is currently conducting environmental impact assessments. The company must obtain additional government licenses before a final decision is made. CO2 injection has not yet begun. Inpex did not respond to an email asking for comment on the approval.