Collaborative development of the Northern Territory low-emissions carbon capture, utilisation and storage hub – a blueprint for the rapid decarbonisation of Northern Australia

Abstract

As the world increases its decarbonisation ambition, Australia is well placed to offer low emission intensity energy supplies to our region. Northern Australia’s plentiful resources mean that the region can be both an energy export and regional decarbonisation powerhouse. The Northern Territory has abundant natural gas and solar resources, significant carbon dioxide (CO2) storage capacity and proximity to international markets. This paper will summarise the development of the business case for a large-scale Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) hub based in the Northern Territory. The work is a result of a collaborative initiative to bring together experience and expertise from CSIRO, the Northern Territory Government, major gas industry emitters and engineering companies. The approach has been to develop a common vision of a low emission CCUS hub, develop an understanding of the key attributes of a hub, the development decisions, value drivers, market analysis and an understanding of potential economic outcomes that could be realised from its collaborative development. This work contemplates both initial and long-term economies of scale required to provide a pathway for decarbonisation of existing industries while providing opportunities for the development of new low-emission industries.