Otways Carbon Dioxide Storage Trials (Geosequestration)

Geosequestration, sometimes called carbon capture and storage, is the injection and permanent storage of carbon dioxide (CO2), a major greenhouse gas, in deep underground geological formations.

Geosequestration is seen internationally as one potential solution to significantly reducing greenhouse gas emissions into the atmosphere and developing a sustainable future.

Geosequestration is particularly relevant to Victoria given the high emissions from the use of brown coal for power generation in the Latrobe Valley (55% of Victoria’s total emissions) and the existence of potential sites for geosequestration of CO2 in Gippsland and Bass Strait.

The Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC) (external link) is one of the world's leading collaborative research organisations focused on carbon dioxide (CO2) capture and geological storage (geosequestration). The CO2CRC receives major support from industry, research parties and government organisations, along with international collaborators.

The CO2CRC is undertaking the world’s most comprehensive pilot project to test geosequestration technology at a commercial scale. $4 million has been allocated by the Victorian Government to a trial of carbon dioxide capture and storage in the Otway Basin. The project involves separating carbon dioxide from other gases, compressing the carbon dioxide, injecting it in a deep geological formation in western Victoria and long-term monitoring to verify that it is stored securely.

Drilling of a 2200 metre research well, CRC-1, has begun in south-western Victoria. This well will enable C02CRC geologists to confirm their computer modelling of the underground storage site before becoming the injection well for up to 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.