In this Impact Interview, Mr. Benjamin Zammit, Executive Director, Regulation & Compliance at South Australia’s Department for Energy and Mining, shared South Australia’s strategic vision and regulatory progress in advancing carbon capture, utilization and storage (CCUS), positioning the state as a regional hub for low-carbon energy solutions. With South Australia’s first CO₂ injection trial underway at the Moomba CCS project in partnership with Santos and Beach Energy, the region is not only progressing its own decarbonization agenda, but also opening the door to international CO₂ importation and storage.

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Mr. Zammit emphasized the enabling legislative reforms, South Australia’s unique geological and infrastructure assets, and the government’s proactive international outreach — especially with Japan — as critical components of the state's CCUS readiness. He highlighted that South Australia is “ready now” to play a key role in global decarbonization supply chains, offering regulatory clarity, industrial partnerships, and project execution experience.

Key Takeaways:

1. South Australia is Positioned as a First-Mover in CCUS Implementation:

• With the Moomba CCS project already injecting CO₂ as part of trial operations, South Australia is among the few jurisdictions in the Asia Pacific region with an active and operational CCS site — a proof of concept that underlines the state’s CCUS readiness.

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2. Enabling Legislation for CO₂ Importation:

• South Australia has recently amended its legislation to allow not only for domestic CO₂ storage but also the importation of foreign CO₂ — making it one of the first in Australia to support cross-border CCS. This move sets the groundwork for South Australia to become a regional CO₂ storage hub.

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3. Strong Infrastructure and Geology for Long-Term Storage:

• The state’s depleted fields at Moomba, coupled with existing pipeline easements and port infrastructure, create a favorable environment for developing a full CO₂ supply chain, from capture to export/import and storage.

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4. Open and Flexible Approach to Technology:

• South Australia maintains a technology-agnostic stance, supporting CCUS alongside hydrogen, synthetic fuels, and natural gas transition. This inclusive strategy maximizes flexibility in the state's decarbonization pathways.

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5. Actively Pursuing International Partnerships — Especially with Japan:

• The South Australian government is intensifying outreach in Japan, seeking long-term collaboration not just in CCS, but also across hydrogen and low-carbon energy supply chains. Government trade missions and regulatory briefings are being used to raise South Australia's profile and encourage bilateral investments.

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6. Infrastructure Investment is Critical for Market Growth:

• While regulatory and geological advantages are in place, Mr. Zammit emphasized the need to build out supporting infrastructure to scale CCS as a service. He stressed that partnerships with international stakeholders — including Japanese investors — are vital to this development.