Carbon Capture Storage Regulations

A Regulatory Framework for the Long-Term Underground Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide in Victoria

Discussion Paper 

Greenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Regulations April 2009
Greenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Regulations April 2009
Available in an accessibility format: Greenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Regulations April 2009

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is one of many technologies the Victorian Government is investigating to tackle climate change. For Victoria, the investigation and development of CCS is particularly important because of the States significant brown coal resources.

CCS, which involves the storage of carbon dioxide emissions deep underground, offers the potential to transition coal, our largest source of electricity, to a cleaner future an important step in achieving Victorias target to cut emissions by 60 per cent of 2000 levels by 2050.

Further information on CCS technology, sometimes known as geosequestration, is provided in the fact sheet on Carbon Capture and Storage - Putting the Carbon Back.

The Position Paper - Strategic Policy Framework for Near Zero Emissions from Victorias Fossil Fuels details the Victorian Government's policy settings that will contribute to the commercial viability of carbon capture and storage.
Available in an accessibility format: Strategic Policy Framework for Near Zero Emissions from Victorias Fossil Fuels

Victoria's Regulatory Regime

Investment in CCS depends on a number of factors, including an effective regulatory framework. This is critical to provide the certainty needed to encourage industry investment in this technology and to ensure that CCS occurs in an environmentally acceptable manner.

On 1 December 2009, the Greenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Act 2008 came into effect to enable the onshore injection and permanent storage of carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases.

The Greenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Act 2008 provides certainty for investors and other stakeholders by creating clear legal rights to enable exploration for geologically suitable underground storage formations and the injection and permanent storage of greenhouse gas substances onshore in Victoria. A copy of the Act can be downloaded from the Victorian Legislation and Parliamentary Documents website.

As part of the process of developing the Act, a discussion paper entitled A Regulatory Framework for the Long-Term Underground Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide was released. Submissions received in response are available to be viewed online.
Available in an accessibility format: A Regulatory Framework for the Long-Term Underground Geological Storage of Carbon Dioxide

Importantly, the Act provides the community with the confidence that storage operations will be undertaken in a manner that minimise risks to safety and the environment. The Act will come into effect by 1 January 2010.

Development of Greenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Regulations

To support the Act, the Greenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Regulations 2009 also came into effect on 1 December 2009. This now completes the legislative regime to enable CCS operations in Victoria.

Submissions were received on the Greenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Regulations 2009.

Accelerating the development of low-emission technologies

CCS is one of a number of technologies with which greenhouse gas emissions from the supply and use of energy can be contained.

Through its Energy Technology Innovation Strategy (ETIS), the Victorian Government is working with researchers and industry to progress new, low-emissions energy technologies.