Carbon capture and storage bill introduced to WA Parliament

WA Mines, Petroleum and Hydrogen Industry Minister Bill Johnston has introduced the Petroleum Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 and the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Safety Levies Amendment Bill 2023 into the WA Parliament.  

The Bill proposes to enable the transport and storage of greenhouse gases in the State, aligning with net zero emissions ambitions within the WA Climate Policy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy.

As well as introducing a framework for greenhouse gas storage and transport, the exploration of naturally occurring hydrogen will be accommodated for as a regulated substance.

Carbon caption utilisation and storage (CCUS) involves capturing and storing carbon dioxide to reduce emissions from industrial-scale processes and projects. It’s being used by hard-to-abate industries to decarbonise operations across the world.

Minister Johnston commented on the introduction of the bill.

“The introduction of greenhouse gas storage and transport legislation is one of many options for the State’s response to climate change,” he said.

“As part of this response, the Bill provides the legislative certainty to encourage greenhouse gas storage projects and the development of the industry.

“Together, this amendment will assist Government and industry to progress towards the goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”