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Site visit signals start of carbon capture and storage well drilling

Wednesday, 15 February 2012

Western Australia’s first on-shore carbon capture and storage (CCS) project has reached another project milestone with the start of research drilling operations.

Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) Coordinator Carbon Strategy Dominique Van Gent hosted a site visit, located on farmland at Riverdale Road near Cookernup. The visit involved 60 stakeholders and showcased the drilling operation that commenced on the site last week.

“The data gathered from the ‘Harvey 1 Well’ over the next 30 days, will help assess the capacity and suitability of the Lower Lesueur Formation for carbon dioxide (CO2) geosequestration,” Mr Van Gent said.

“Not only is the well gathering CCS research, it is also exploring for underground heat for geothermal energy, as well as assessing water and other resources.”

At the end of the DMP lead drilling program, the data will be analysed over a six month period by a team of specialist geologists and scientists. Expert analysis will be carried out by DMP’s Geological Survey of Western Australia (GSWA), Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO), University of Western Australia, Curtin University and private sector companies.

The research is being conducted on behalf of the South West Hub, an alliance formed by the State Government with regional industry participants. The South West Hub continues to be a leading initiative in the attempt to reduce carbon dioxide emissions in the State.

CCS or geosequestration involves capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions from industrial sources before they are released into the atmosphere. The captured CO2 is then liquefied, transported by pipeline and pumped deep below the ground for permanent storage.

For further inquiries regarding the drilling operations, contact Dominique Van Gent on 9791 2045 or email Dominique.vangent@dmp.wa.gov.au.

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