media statement chevron australia CO2 injection milestone
PERTH, Western Australia, 19 July 2021 – Chevron Australia is poised to reach a significant milestone at its Gorgon LNG facility, injecting five million tonnes of greenhouse gas (carbon dioxide equivalent, CO2e) since safely starting the system in August 2019.
The milestone represents the largest volume of injection achieved within this time frame by any environmental carbon capture and storage (CCS) system of comparable specifications.
Injecting five million tonnes of CO2e is equivalent to taking more than 1.6 million passenger vehicles off Australia’s roads for a year1.
“This significant milestone shows how we’re deploying technology, innovation and skills to deliver cleaner energy and reduce our carbon footprint,” Chevron Australia managing director Mark Hatfield said.
“The Gorgon carbon capture and storage (CCS) system is the biggest CCS system designed to capture carbon emissions and is demonstrating Australia’s world-leading capability in the area.”
Once fully operational, the system will capture up to 4 million tonnes of CO2 annually and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by more than 100 million tonnes over the life of the injection project.
The system works by taking naturally occurring CO2 from offshore gas reservoirs and injecting it in a giant sandstone formation two kilometres under Barrow Island, where it remains trapped.
It prevents millions of tonnes of greenhouse gases being vented into the atmosphere.
Hatfield said while the system had delivered significant reductions in Gorgon’s emissions, the time taken to safely start the system meant Chevron had not met injection requirements.
"Chevron is working with the WA regulator on making up the shortfall and will report publicly on that later in the year," Hatfield said.
“Like any pioneering endeavour, it takes time to optimise a new system to ensure it performs reliably over 40-plus years of operation.
“The road hasn’t always been smooth, but the challenges we’ve faced – and overcome – make it easier for those who aspire to reduce their emissions through CCS.
“We’re committed to sharing the lessons we’ve learned with state and federal governments, research institutes and other energy producers to assist the deployment of CCS in Australia.
“CCS is a proven technology which experts agree is critical to achieving a lower carbon future while ensuring access to affordable and reliable energy for billions around the world who rely on it.”
The Chevron-operated Gorgon Project is a joint venture between the Australian subsidiaries of Chevron (47.333 percent), ExxonMobil (25 percent), Shell (25 percent), Osaka Gas (1.25 percent), Tokyo Gas (1 percent) and JERA (0.417 percent).
Chevron is one of the world's leading integrated energy companies and through its Australian subsidiaries, has been present in Australia for more than 60 years. With the ingenuity and commitment of thousands of workers, Chevron Australia operates the Gorgon and Wheatstone natural gas facilities; manages its equal one-sixth interest in the North West Shelf Venture; operates Australia’s largest onshore oilfield on Barrow Island; is a significant investor in exploration; and via Puma Energy delivers quality fuel products and services across Australia, operating or supplying a network of more than 360 retail locations and an extensive 24-hour hour diesel stop network, as well as 14 depots and three seaboard terminals.
[1] Based on estimation light vehicles (cars, 4x4s, SUVs and small commercial vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes) emit 3 tonnes of greenhouse gases a year. Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources.
Cam Van Ast
Phone: +61 (8) 9216 4462 (Perth)
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