A Chevron-led partnership with Shell and ExxonMobil has secured a greenhouse gas assessment permit to explore carbon storage options in the Northern Carnarvon Basin offshore Western Australia. As part of Chevron’s company-wide strategy, the current development is to expedite carbon capture and storage in various operations.
Exploration Permit Details
The G-20-AP greenhouse gas assessment permit spans 858 square miles (2,222 square kilometers) of offshore territory off the coast of Barrow Island, where the Gorgon LNG terminal is located. The water depths in the area range from 82 to 410 feet (25 to 125 meters). Chevron Australia New Ventures will operate the permit in partnership with Shell Australia and Mobil Australia Resources.
The joint venture will evaluate the geological and commercial viability of carbon dioxide (CO₂) storage in the permit area. Furthermore, Chevron plans to use the site as a carbon storage hub for third-party emissions, including emissions from its own LNG operations.
Advancing Carbon Storage Solutions
David Fallon, general manager of energy transition at Chevron Australia, emphasized the significance of this initiative. “Carbon capture and storage is an important tool, and this permit award demonstrates the potential to lower the carbon intensity of our operations as well as potentially third-party emissions,” he stated.
The project also builds on Chevron’s extensive experience with carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS) technologies, which are crucial for achieving net-zero emissions goals.
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Expanding Carbon Storage Portfolio
In addition to this latest permit, Chevron and its partner Woodside secured the G-18-AP permit in August 2024, located offshore from Onslow near the Wheatstone LNG plant. These recent advancements complement Chevron’s existing Gorgon CCS project, one of the largest integrated CO₂ storage facilities in the world.
With these permits in hand, Chevron is further solidifying its commitment to reducing emissions while driving innovation in sustainable energy solutions.