The leading technology for CO₂-capture is based on the use of liquid absorbents, across a broad range of quite different applications. Over the last decades, the frontier of capture technology development has gradually shifted towards the lower CO₂-partial pressure levels. Also, the composition of the CO₂-containing source gases has dramatically changed with a more recent shift towards emissions abatement from the hard-to-abate industries and the growing interest in CO₂-capture from air. This means that the liquid absorbent CO₂-separation process development has been one of continuous adaptation to changing circumstances and shifting focus. The context for CO₂-capture will also increasingly involve CO₂-utilisation options in addition to CO₂-storage.

 

The presentation will provide an overview of CSIRO’s work in liquid absorbent CO₂-capture over the last two decades. It will discuss how emerging challenges were addressed and what solutions were developed and also provide some insights into the challenges ahead.

Mitigating climate change necessitates the removal of two trillion tonnes of CO2. This colossal undertaking can only be accomplished through large-scale CO2 utilisation facilities capable of processing over a million tonnes of CO2 annually. Even with such facilities, halting global warming would require approximately 200,000 refineries operating for a century. However, if we can achieve an annual removal of 10 million tonnes or more per facility by 2050, the number of required facilities would be reduced to roughly 20,000. Currently, fewer than 1,000 large bio- and petro-refineries are in operation worldwide. Therefore, beyond 2050, additional technological breakthroughs will be needed to reduce the number of facilities to a few thousand. The CO2 utilisation pathway to 2100 can be divided into three stages: 2030 Target Technologies, 2050 Target Technologies, and 2100 Target Technologies. This presentation aims to inform policymakers, industry professionals, academics, and the general public about the potential uses and limitations of CO2 as a feedstock in relation to these three stages.

One potential solution is the commercial-scale utilisation of CO2 for 100% renewable products and low carbon fuels, which holds significant potential for creating new markets and industries that mitigate climate change. This approach can also support a circular bioeconomy and a future with net-zero emissions. However, there are obstacles to overcome, including technical feasibility, economic viability, environmental impact, and policy and regulatory frameworks. This presentation provides an overview of the technology and potential of CO2 utilisation, as well as the opportunities and challenges for its development and deployment in the immediate to long-term.

We will also discuss currently commercially viable fuels, chemicals, polymers, and construction materials, and propose future technological advancements. This information is intended to stimulate further discussion and action on this topic.

Monitoring and verification of CO₂ plumes is essential in understanding the effectiveness and potential risks associated with Geological Carbon Sequestration (GCS). Despite varying degrees of ambiguity in the regulations for the monitoring requirements in various jurisdictions, all regulators require that the operator monitors the injection, migration, and stabilisation of the plume. Decades of post-injection monitoring can be a costly task that requires careful planning.

The essence of monitoring lies in the regular assessment of the behaviour and movement of the CO₂ plume within the geological storage site. Each risk mechanism component is associated with inherent and operational risks. The assessment of such risks underpins the planned monitoring solution which may include direct or inferred measurements of pressure, temperature, and saturation (or their changes) within the CO₂ storage complex. By monitoring these parameters, the operator can ensure that the stored CO₂ is being contained as intended and is not having an adverse impact (environment, human, reputational) (e.g. significant leakage into the water column).

Verification, on the other hand, focuses on confirming the accurate placement and containment of the CO₂ within the storage complex. This involves the use of various monitoring techniques, such as seismic surveys, well logging, and pressure testing, to assess the integrity of the storage reservoir and detect any potential leaks or migration pathways. Verification is crucial in ensuring the long-term safety and reliability of CCS projects.

Monitoring plans are site-specific, but learnings and best practices can be transferred between projects. This talk aims to introduce some high-level approaches for risk assessment and discuss how this might link to a proposed monitoring plan.

Pilot Energy Limited is an Australian oil and gas producing company transitioning to clean energy. Its flagship Mid West Clean Energy Project aims to develop an integrated CO2 storage service and produce clean ammonia leveraging existing oil and gas infrastructure as well as renewable energy resources.

 

The project is currently in the Pre-FEED/FEED stage. CO2 storage operations are anticipated to commence in 2026 followed by blue ammonia production from 2028. This case study presentation focuses on the CO2 storage aspect of the project. Pilot has encountered numerous technical, regulatory and commercial challenges which has shaped project development. This case study shares Pilot’s learnings to assist the efficient transition of hydrocarbon fields from production to carbon capture and storage (CCS).