Towards building a successful CCS hub in Darwin

Abstract

The Northern Territory Government is working with industry, the Australian Government and CSIRO to accelerate development of the Middle Arm of Darwin Harbour into a globally competitive, sustainable industrial development precinct for low-emission hydrocarbons, hydrogen production, carbon capture and storage (CCS) and minerals processing. This project will significantly reduce Northern Territory emissions and catalyse growth of new industries driving low-emissions energy transition and providing a sustainable future Northern Territory economic growth. The Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct masterplan provides for a range of development scenarios that incorporate integrated large-scale renewable energy and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) infrastructure. Master planning of this greenfields site provides significant benefits including optimising the use of existing and shared infrastructure, resulting in reduced impacts and maximised economic benefits. This provides Industry with greater certainty, reduces the burden of pre-approvals and creates an investment-ready industrial precinct with ready access to key marine, road and rail transport facilities, utilities and other shared services. This provides an advantage over existing precincts around the globe, which may need to be retrofitted at greater cost and impact. When combined with decarbonisation of the existing gas industry at Middle Arm, there is unique opportunity to develop new low-emissions industries within the Northern Territory and supply low-emission energy and products to the Southeast Asian markets. This paper provides an overview of the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct, its integration with the existing Northern Territory gas industry, the minerals industry and renewable energy, and CCS projects.