A word from the CEO

CO2Tech, the technical advisory and consulting arm of CO2CRC, has been named as a grant winner of The Liveability Challenge 2025, receiving a SGD$100,000 grant from Enterprise Singapore for its cutting-edge HyCaps technology.

The award, announced during the grand finale in Singapore on 7 May, affirms the global potential of CO2Tech’s Hybrid Capture Solution (HyCaps)—a next-generation system that integrates solvent absorption with membrane separation to capture industrial CO₂ emissions more efficiently and cost-effectively.

The Liveability Challenge, presented by Temasek Foundation and organised by Eco-Business, is Asia’s premier sustainability platform, showcasing high-impact solutions to climate and resource challenges. This year, over 1,200 submissions were received from innovators across more than 100 countries. CO2Tech was one of only eight global finalists selected to pitch live in Singapore.

While the million-dollar grand prize went to Krosslinker Aerogel Solutions and Ayrton Energy respectively, CO2Tech’s recognition with the Enterprise Singapore grant was a proud milestone.

CO2Tech drew international attention earlier this month when its name appeared on the Nasdaq MarketSite tower in Times Square, New York City, spotlighting its finalist status on a global stage.

HyCaps is designed to retrofit seamlessly into existing industrial infrastructure, targeting hard-to-abate emissions and enabling circular, carbon-negative applications—such as converting biogenic CO₂ into low-carbon products.

For more about CO2Tech’s HyCaps technology, click here.

MORE PHOTOS ON OUR LINKEDIN POST 

We got to be a part of it: Emily Liew, the Assistant Managing Director at Enterprise Singapore (left), CO2Tech’s Dr Jai Kant Pandit (centre), and Chief Commercialisation Officer, Kwong Soon Chan (right), receiving a Grant Award at the Liveability Challenge Awards Ceremony, while CO2Tech and the other finalists featured on Nasdaq’s MarketSite at Times Square, New York. 

CO2CRC CEO Dr Matthias Raab, recently participated in the Asia CEO Forum on Renewable Energy in Manila, where he joined a high-level panel to discuss the Philippines’ path toward a cleaner and more secure energy future.

Dr Raab spoke alongside Philippine Energy Secretary Raphael P.M. Lotilla and Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara in a session focused on the country’s ambitious decarbonisation goals and the practical challenges it faces in balancing sustainability with energy security.

The Philippines has pledged to source 25 percent of its energy from renewables by 2030, with solar photovoltaics playing a central role. Yet, the energy transition presents considerable complexity. Fossil fuels remain integral to the grid’s baseload capacity, particularly in the absence of large-scale energy storage infrastructure that can manage peak evening demand.

The forum spotlighted the economic realities of investing in renewable energy in the region, noting that expectations around internal rates of return must adjust to reflect market conditions. As the nation seeks to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 75 percent by 2030, the role of foreign investment, innovation, and strategic partnerships becomes even more critical.

Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) was identified as a key component in supporting long-term emissions reductions, especially in hard-to-abate industrial sectors. A national roadmap to integrate CCS into the Philippines’ energy strategy through 2030 and beyond will be vital, panellists agreed.

Photo Gallery: Dr Matthias Raab was honoured to be the guest speaker at the Asia CEO Forum.

CO2CRC Limited continues to extend its international training footprint, recently concluding a comprehensive five-day course on CO₂ pipeline transport in Paris, France. The program, delivered by CO2CRC’s Nigel Lim, was tailored specifically for NaTran (formerly GRTgaz), a major French natural gas transmission system operator.

The bespoke course focused on the technical and economic aspects of designing and managing CO₂ transport infrastructure—an essential component of Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage (CCUS) deployment.

Key topics covered in the final sessions included CO₂ pipeline design fundamentals, material selection (including non-metallic options), and how pipeline engineering requirements differ for CO₂ versus natural gas. The course concluded with design and cost estimation exercises focused on conceptual CO₂ pipeline hubs.

CO2CRC’s education programs are internationally recognised for their rigour and relevance, designed to meet the growing demand for technical knowledge across the CCUS value chain. Courses are offered globally and cater to a range of audiences, from industry specialists and engineers to policymakers and non-technical professionals.

Bespoke Course Brilliance: Nigel Lim (seated) with engineers from NaTran. 

CO2CRC’s Subsurface Lead, Dr Hadi Nourollah, has played a key role in one of the world’s most prestigious geoscience competitions, serving on the judging panel for the 2025 American Association of Petroleum Geologists (AAPG) Imperial Barrel Award (IBA).

Dr Nourollah joined a panel of global experts to assess graduate student teams from across the world in the IBA’s international finals, where competitors presented weeks of basin analysis using real-world datasets. Reflecting on the event, he described it as “a great experience and a privilege” to support emerging talent.

“The IBA is one of the most respected competitions in our field,” Dr Nourollah said. “It’s an honour to contribute to an event that not only tests technical rigour but also showcases the innovation and professionalism of the next generation. This year’s competition was exceptionally well organised and a true celebration of geoscience talent.”

This year’s datasets—used by teams to evaluate petroleum and geothermal basins—were supplied and sponsored by CO2CRC, Australia’s leading research organisation in carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS).

The top honour went to San Diego State University, who claimed both the 2025 Pacific Section First Place and the overall IBA 1st Place title with a geothermal dataset. Sultan Qaboos University (Oman) won the Middle East Region First Place and the Selley Cup (2nd place overall), while Texas A&M University secured the Gulf Coast Section First Place and the Stoneley Medal (3rd place overall)—both teams working with petroleum datasets.

Honourable mentions were awarded to Institut Teknologi Bandung (Asia Pacific Region) and the University of Calgary (Canada Region), reflecting the high calibre of international participation.

Dr Nourollah noted the significance of the event not only for the students but for the broader energy and geoscience sectors. “It was incredibly encouraging to see such strong technical insight, analytical skill, and commitment to professional standards among the participants. The future of our industry is in very capable hands,” he said.

The IBA offers graduate students the opportunity to experience the technical and collaborative demands of real-world subsurface analysis, with scholarship prizes and global recognition for outstanding teams.

To learn more about CO2CRC’s advanced geological datasets and subsurface research initiatives, click here.

In focus: the requirements of the IBA, as highlighted by the AAPG.

Emeritus Professor John Kaldi, a board member of CO2Tech and former Lead Scientist of CO2CRC, has formally received the certificate for the Sidney Powers Memorial Award, capping off his recognition as one of the most influential figures in petroleum geology and carbon capture and storage (CCS).

Originally honoured at the AAPG’s IMAGE24 conference in August 2024, Kaldi’s award was presented by AAPG President Deborah Sacrey in front of an international audience of geoscience professionals. The official certificate, received this month, marks the final step in the bestowal of the Association’s highest honour.

CO2CRC congratulates Professor Kaldi again on this prestigious recognition of his enduring contributions to the field.

Incredibly Proud: Emeritus Professor John Kaldi with his Sydney Powers Memorial Award certificate. 

The Otway International Test Centre (OITC) threw open its gates on Saturday 4th April for a highly anticipated Open Day, welcoming a steady stream of enthusiastic locals, families, and science-curious visitors from across Victoria – all keen to explore one of the world’s leading carbon capture and storage (CCS) research facilities.

Located in south-west Victoria, the OITC is the flagship research site for CO2CRC Limited and plays a critical role in advancing Australia’s low-emissions energy future. From 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., the centre offered guided tours, interactive science talks, and a gourmet barbecue lunch, turning the site into a hub of curiosity, conversation, and community.

Two full-capacity bus tours, led by Operations Manager Mitch Allison, gave attendees a rare behind-the-scenes look at the facility’s cutting-edge infrastructure and underground storage technologies.

“There’s something pretty special about showing people how CCS actually works—not just in theory, but here on the ground in their own backyard,” said Allison. “Visitors asked smart, thoughtful questions. It’s clear the community is engaged and wants to understand how these technologies fit into the bigger picture of climate solutions.”

The day wasn’t just for energy professionals or policy buffs. With many children attending on school holidays, the site buzzed with young learners who got to see real-world science in action. “It’s not every day kids get to visit an active research site,” Allison added. “And I think we might have inspired a few future scientists along the way.”

Inside the visitors’ centre, CO2CRC’s Reservoir Engineer Genna Petho delivered engaging presentations on the centre’s research, while guests relaxed with barista-made coffee and a gourmet barbecue lunch served by local vendors.

For many attendees, it was a first-time glimpse into Australia’s leadership in CCS technology. “We often hear about carbon capture in the news,” said one visitor from Warrnambool. “But seeing it up close, hearing the team explain it, and asking questions directly—that really brought it home.”

As the day wrapped up, CO2CRC staff reported strong interest in ongoing community engagement and educational programs.

“The goal is to build understanding and trust,” said Allison. “Days like this remind us that transparency and open dialogue are just as important as the science we’re doing here.”

A sight on the site: CO2CRC’s Operation Manager Mitch Allison (right) explains part of the OITC site during the open day.

The Australian Energy Producers (AEP) Conference and Exhibition is the perfect place to conduct business – Reserve a meeting space in the CO2CRC Meeting Zone at the Exhibition.

CO2CRC is also delivering numerous presentations and papers at the AEP Conference and Exhibition:

• Dr Jai Pandit CO2CRC Capture Engineer. Optimization of CCUS Hub and its business model using novel COSMIC software
• Miss Genna Petho, Reservoir Engineer, Shaping the future of MMV in CO₂ storage: A look at established and emerging technologies.
• Dr Simone De Morton, Tehcno Regulatory Advisor – A roadmap for carbon capture & storage deployment in Australia: Key constraints and opportunities.
• Dr Max Watson, Senior Manager Technology Development Life-of-Field monitoring for CO₂ storage – An effective solution for validating containment and analysing storage performance

SAVE THE DATE!

See you at the Australian Energy Producers Conference in May. 

Save the date for Australia’s premier biennial Carbon Capture, Utilisation, and Storage Symposium.

More information coming soon. For sponsorship enquiries, email justin.thompson@co2crc.com.au

At CO2CRC, we believe that effective CCUS education and training is a vital element in shaping a sustainable, low-emission future. As such, we are dedicated to equipping a wide array of stakeholders, including industry experts, policymakers, investors, scientists, and the general public, with the knowledge and tools necessary to achieve their emission reduction targets. CO2CRC provides a range of general CCUS educational courses as well as technology specific and tailored CCUS training.  Upcoming courses over the next few months include CCS Fundamentals. Contact  Max Watson for more information.

This 1-day course, delivered online, covers the fundamentals of capture and geological storage of CO2. Fossil fuel-based energy generation, production and separation of CO2-rich natural gas, as well as cement, ammonia, iron and steel production are major source of anthropogenic CO₂ emissions into the atmosphere. 

Carbon Capture Utilisation and Storage, or CCUS, involves the long-term storage of captured CO₂ emissions in subsurface geologic formations.

Presented by CCS technical experts including Dr Max Watson, Dr Simone de Morton, and Dr Jai Kant Pandit.

“The course provided a clear, concise understanding of the technologies and strategies used for carbon capture, utilisation and storage. The instructors were knowledgeable, breaking down complex concepts into digestible parts. The course offered a balanced mix of theory and real-world examples, making it practical and applicable. I now feel more confident in my understanding of CCUS and its critical role in combating climate change.” – Louie Li, CarbonNet.

Limit of 20 places available. Secure your spot today:

Contact Max Watson or read for more information.

Canberra
4 July 2025

The CCS (Carbon Capture and Storage) education course will equip non-CCS technical professionals, regulators, policy makers, and government officials working within or around the CCS ecosystem, with an understanding of the essential elements of  CCS

The course will explore a range of subjects including the fundamentals of CCS, common misconceptions surrounding CCS, the complexities and opportunities specific to CCS and an exploration of CCS projects around Australia, both onshore and offshore.

Presented by our CCS tecnho regulatory expert Dr Simone De Morton.

“On behalf of Cooper Energy, I commend CO2CRC for their excellent CCUS course. It provided a comprehensive overview of the opportunities, complexities and challenges across all aspects the carbon capture, utilisation and storage sectors.” – James Clarke, Cooper Energy.

Limit of 20 places available. Secure your spot today:

Contact Max Watson or read for more information.

14/04/2025 Perenco Completes CCS Injection Test in UK North Sea – Rigzone. Perenco said it has successfully completed the UK’s  first CO₂ injection test for CCS.

14/04/2025 Heidelberg Materials Gets Green Light for $522M UK Carbon Capture Cement Plant – esgnews Heidelberg’s Padeswood plant will capture up to 800,000 tonnes of CO₂ annually, advancing UK industrial decarbonisation.

13/04/2025 Pilot Energy to raise capital amid offshore approach – AFR Pilot Energy’s refreshed board is pressing ahead with an urgent capital raising to get the junior oil and gas explorer back on track and progress its carbon storage ambitions.

11/04/2025 Petronas advances offshore CCS project – upstream online. Pipeline route survey for Malaysian CCS scheme to start in April.

11/04/2025 Heidelberg Materials Gets The Green Light For $522m CCS Project At UK Cement Plant – Carbon Herald. Heidelberg Materials has received official consent to build a $522 million CCS facility in North Wales.

09/04/2025 INPEX Forms JV for Greater Tokyo CCS Project – Rigzone. INPEX Corp. and Kanto Natural Gas Development Co. Ltd. have established a joint venture to accelerate research and planning for a CCS project planned to serve industrial emitters in the Greater Tokyo Area.

07/04/2025 Chevron acts to improve performance of Gorgon carbon capture and storage project –Chevron has begun works to improve the performance of its CCS project, Gorgon.

07/04/2025 South Korea Launches Ambitious Plan To Boost CCU – Carbon Herald South Korea ‘s Ministry of Science and ICT has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative to propel CCUS technology, leveraging private sector innovation to accelerate carbon neutrality efforts.

07/04/2025 Skanska to lay foundations for major carbon capture plant in Sweden – global construction review. Skanska has won an €89.5m contract to build foundations for a major new CCS plant in Stockholm. The plant services a biomass fuelled power station.

03/04/2025 Shell, Equinor, and TotalEnergies Expand Northern Lights CCS with $714 Million Investment– Reuters. The Northern Lights project is expanding its CCS capacity, with the big oil firms making their final investment worth around $714 million.