Understanding the views and interest of Gippslanders is a key focus for the CarbonNet Project as it continues its work towards establishing a safe and secure geological storage site in Bass Strait.
A CarbonNet community reference group has now been established to broaden conversations across Gippsland, providing an opportunity to further create shared knowledge of the issues and opportunities associated with carbon capture and storage (CCS).
The CarbonNet community reference group met last week in Sale, receiving a full briefing on the project's progress to date.
The group's membership is diverse including representation from the community, local government, the energy industry, farming and academia. Victoria's Lead Scientist – Dr Amanda Caples has also joined the group.
Over the weekend, a CarbonNet and CCS information session was held at the Golden Beach Community Centre, the eighth such session focused on the community over the past two years.
Around twenty locals attended the information session and were provided with an update on offshore investigations, including geotechnical activities commencing shortly. Community members were able to have their questions and concerns addressed by experts in the field of CCS.
CarbonNet, a Commonwealth and Victorian government funded project, is investigating the feasibility of a commercial scale Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) network in Gippsland, to address greenhouse gas emissions while creating new industries, investment and local jobs.
CCS involves permanently storing CO2 in rock layers below the sea bed, similar to the way gas has been stored naturally for millions of years.
CCS is a proven process, safely operating for 45 years across many industrial sectors, with 23 commercial scale projects underway globally and many more planned. Since 2008, a CCS demonstration project has also been running successfully in Victoria's Otways.
Internationally CCS is increasingly being acknowledged as critical to achieving emission reduction targets.
