South West Hub CCS Project: Lessons to be learned from the 2014 3D seismic survey

Abstract

The South West Hub (SWH) project is Australia's first carbon capture and storage (CCS) flagship project. Managed by the WA government's Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP), the SWH is assessing the geological properties of a proposed CO2storage site in the southwest of WA to determine its feasibility. This includes collating detailed geological information, partnering with researchers, acquiring baseline data, consulting with communities and stakeholders, and negotiating land access. Recent activities have included a 2D seismic survey in 2011, drilling of a stratigraphic well (Harvey–1) in 2012 and a comprehensive (115 km2) 3D seismic survey in 2014. A further drilling program is planned for the fourth quarter of 2014 until the first quarter of 2015. The 2014 3D seismic survey has been described as one of the most complex land-based seismic surveys conducted in Australia due to environmental factors, and competing land-use and land-access constraints. This extended abstract reviews the recent 3D seismic survey, including the development of the project's scope and procurement processes through to community engagement and implementation, and outlines how the lessons are being incorporated into the upcoming drilling program. It will also discuss legacy issues that have impacted on community attitudes and confidence, and the challenges of working with potentially hostile communities, and also demonstrate how the project adopted and adapted best practice engagement guidelines and toolkits for CCS projects to achieve successful outcomes.