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[Impact Interview]
Advancing CCUS in Western Australia - Opportunities, Challenges, and Global Partnerships with Dr. Phil Gorey

[Impact Interview] Advancing CCUS in Western Australia - Opportunities, Challenges, and Global Partnerships with Dr. Phil Gorey

Introduction:

In this insightful Impact Interview, Dr. Phil Gorey, Deputy Director General of Resource Project Facilitation at the Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (Western Australia), shares his expertise on the state's strategic approach to carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS). Dr. Gorey discusses Western Australia's commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, its robust regulatory framework, and its history of investment in CCUS technologies.

Highlighting the state's collaboration with Japan, he explores opportunities for international partnerships, the role of community engagement, and the challenges and innovations shaping the CCUS landscape.

Key Takeaways:

Overview of Western Australia’s Carbon Capture, Utilization, and Storage (CCUS) Strategies

  • Dr. Phil Gorey highlighted Western Australia’s commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050, emphasizing the integral role of CCUS within the state’s broader economic development strategy. Western Australia’s decades of experience in carbon abatement and storage, coupled with active projects such as the Gorgon CCUS initiative, underscore the state’s leadership in this field. The region boasts a robust ecosystem of trained professionals, research investments, and international partnerships, particularly with Japanese companies like INPEX, Sumitomo, and Mitsubishi, which leverage the state’s LNG expertise for CCUS development.

Opportunities for Collaboration Between Western Australia and Japan

  • Dr. Gorey underscored the longstanding economic and trade relationship between Australia and Japan, valued at approximately AUD 140 billion annually. This partnership extends into CCUS, with Japan contributing advanced technologies and Australia offering natural resources, skilled labor, and supportive policies. He highlighted collaborative efforts through initiatives like the Australia-Japan Business Cooperation Committee and partnerships between research organizations such as JOGMEC and Australian institutions, which foster innovation and mutual benefits in CCUS projects.

Regulatory Environment and Policies Supporting CCUS Development

  • Western Australia benefits from a mature regulatory framework derived from decades of petroleum sector oversight, ensuring safe and sustainable CCUS operations. Dr. Gorey noted recent amendments to Australia’s laws under the London Protocol, enabling CO2 imports for storage, which supports hub-based CCUS projects. He emphasized the importance of regulatory maturity in providing certainty for investors and facilitating international cooperation, particularly with partners like Japan.

Challenges and Opportunities in Western Australia’s CCUS Sector

  • Dr. Gorey acknowledged technical challenges in CCUS but expressed confidence in the ability of industry and research institutions to address them. He identified community awareness as a critical challenge, given the limited visibility and understanding of CCUS operations. Efforts by companies and research bodies, such as Mitsui’s recent injection test in Western Australia, exemplify the importance of engaging communities through information sharing and collaboration. Dr. Gorey emphasized that building community trust and understanding is essential for the sector’s long-term success.

Insights Brought to You by:

Dr. Phil Gorey

Deputy Director General of Resource Project Facilitation 

Department of Jobs, Tourism, Science and Innovation (Western Australia)​

HOST:

Holnam sha

Senior Content Analyst (CCUS | Hydrogen)

Leader Associates

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