The role of salt basins in the race to net zero: a focus on Australian basins and key research topics

Abstract

Globally, many salt basins host highly productive fossil fuel resources and provide excellent opportunities for developing economically viable clean energy systems such as (1) energy storage in salt caverns, including hydrogen, helium, natural gas, and other economic gases; (2) permanent sequestration of carbon dioxide; (3) development of geothermal energy; (4) critical mineral exploration and extraction, and (5) natural hydrogen production. Despite the high potential to deploy financially viable clean energy solutions related to the formation and evolution of salt basins, our current knowledge regarding critical aspects of salt basin characterisation in Australia is limited. New research is necessary to develop these sustainable energy systems and achieve net zero emissions; therefore, it is critical to re-evaluate the geology of salt basins. Key research areas to enable these opportunities relate to the precipitation, deposition, and deformation of salt basins. This paper reviews the potential for a range of energy systems within salt basins, outlines emerging research topics, and demonstrates the value of Australian salt basin outcrop analogues for improved subsurface interpretation globally.