International collaboration and momentum is building as global nations pursue 2050 net-zero emissions targets, increased energy security and decarbonisation solutions.
Timor L’este held the 4th Energy and Mining Summit in Dili during June attracting significant industry representation, Australian Government attendees and Northern Territory Government officers from The Gas Taskforce.
Attracting close to 200 participants, the summit is one of Timor L’este’s premier industry events, discussing how the nation’s resources can be better developed whilst pursuing their net-zero emission commitments by 2050.
A strong focus was the significant advances in realising a carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) facility as part of the soon to be depleted Bayu-Undan gas field to serve as repository for carbon emissions.
Recognised as critical component in the global climate change action mix, CCUS is a proven technology that captures carbon emissions from power generation or industrial plants, preventing it from entering the atmosphere.
With an estimated project cost close to $2 billion, the Timor Sea project is at the other end of the CCUS Hub planned to be built and operational at the proposed Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct by 2025.
It is projected that once operational, the CCUS Hub will be capable of sequestering 10million tonnes of carbon per year, equivalent to about 1.5 per cent of Australia’s carbon emissions annually, with the future possibility of doubling capacity, making it one of the largest projects in the world for years to come.
Planning for the offshore part of the CCUS Hub considers repurposing the existing gas pipeline and offshore platforms to capture and transport carbon dioxide emissions from Middle Arm, for storage deep underground within the geological formations of Bayu-Undan.
Together, Bayu-Undan and Middle Arm will create a direct physical link between the Northern Territory and Timor L’este, helping to forge better relationships and see us united in commitments to achieving net-zero emissions targets by 2050.
Using Bayu-Undan as a critical decarbonisation tool will not only help reduce the Northern Territory and Timor L’este carbon footprints, it will deliver ongoing income to one of our nearest neighbours.
This project represents a premier example of collaboration between government and industry across multiple jurisdictions to provide additional economic benefits while tackling our transition to a net-zero emissions future.