Back
to Top

Skip to main content
 
  • Share this page on Facebook
  • Print this page

Geological Carbon Storage Exploration Tender

Register here for a CCS information session or to receive CCS updates.

Applications for exploration permits to explore for storage formations suitable for geological carbon storage in two areas within Victorias Gippsland Basin were opened on 30 October 2009. Applications closed on 5 March 2010.  No bids were received for area GCS09-1.  Bids on area GCS09-2 are being assessed.

The location of the two areas is shown on the map below.

Carbon storage is an integral component of carbon capture and storage (also referred to as CCS).

Map of the South East part of Victoria showing Areas available for GCS tender

 

Research into the potential of this area for geological carbon storage has been undertaken by a number of organisations and by the Department of Primary Industries.

The Gippsland and Otway Basins have been identified by research organisations as having some of the best potential for geological carbon storage in Australia.

The Gippsland Basin is adjacent to the Latrobe Valley which contains brown coal fired power stations that produce about 65 million tonnes of greenhouses gases that account for around 50 per cent of Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions. The majority of Gippsland is already subject to some form of exploration licence.

The Exploration tender

Companies wishing to explore areas for geological carbon storage potential will need to apply for an exploration permit and submit a work program.

Initially, exploration will be carried out by non-invasive seismic surveys, which determine the earths properties through measurement of seismic waves (much like an ultrasound does). If these surveys indicate suitable geological formations exist, the company may ask for approval to undertake drilling to further confirm the suitability of an area for the safe storage of CO2.

The company will be required to consult with the community throughout this process. This is an obligation of receiving an exploration permit.

It is a legal requirement that a permit application includes a community engagement plan that provides:

  • general information about the types of activities planned for the area

  • information about how any potential adverse impacts will be managed

  • details of the procedures that are to be followed under the Greenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Act 2008 and any other Act

  • a statement advising that members of the community and relevant municipal councils that they may seek independent legal advice

  • current contact information for the Department and the applicant

  • a list of stakeholders relevant to the application

  • details of how the community and relevant municipal councils were engaged in preparing the consultation plan

  • details of how the applicant will consult with members of the community and relevant municipal councils during the life of the exploration permit.

Next steps

If companies are successful in their bids to explore these areas Victoria will be better placed to understand the geological feasibility of CO2 storage potential in the Gippsland Basin.

Knowledge of the on-shore geological storage potential of the Gippsland Basin will complement work being undertaken off-shore to explore storage potential in Commonwealth waters.

Future decisions to inject carbon in suitable geological formations will be governed by strict environmental and community safeguards set out in the Greenhouse Gas Geological Sequestration Act 2008. To access the Act and Regulations please visit www.legislation.vic.gov.au.

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information about the geological carbon storage exploration tender, please see the Geological Exploration Tender FAQs

For general information on carbon capture and storage, please see the Carbon Capture and Storage Q&A.

Further information

To obtain further information about carbon storage or to make a comment, you can:

For futher reading and viewing:


 

To view the attached PDFs you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. A free copy can be downloaded from Adobe Acrobat.