A word from the CEO
Driving Practical Progress for CCS at Home and Abroad
Dear Colleagues and Partners,
As we head into the second quarter of 2025, the role of Carbon Capture and Storage in supporting a low-emissions future continues to come into sharper focus. At CO2CRC, we’re keeping our efforts firmly on practical progress—working with partners across Australia and the region to ensure CCS is part of a balanced, realistic approach to reducing emissions while maintaining energy reliability.
Our focus for Q2 is on shaping CO2CRC’s future research program—designed to boost CCS research, development and demonstration right here in Australia. We’ll be building on our unique subsurface assets at the Otway International Test Centre and supporting the development of a CCS roadmap for Australia. This roadmap will help define the role of CCS in decarbonising the nation’s industries and resources value chains, ensuring we make informed, coordinated progress
At the beginning of April, I will travel to Manila to take part in the Asia CEO Forum on Renewable Energy. This gathering of senior energy and policy leaders comes at a crucial time for the region, and I look forward to contributing to the conversation on pragmatic and scalable solutions to emissions reduction and energy security.
The Philippines has committed to reducing its greenhouse gas emissions by 75% by 2030—a bold and commendable ambition. Yet it also faces some of the highest electricity prices in Southeast Asia and rapidly growing demand, which is expected to double every ten years. While renewables such as solar, wind, geothermal and hydro are expanding, coal and other fossil fuels are likely to remain essential for grid stability and affordability in the near term.
CCS can play a vital role in this transition, contributing 10–15% of the country’s emissions reduction while supporting economic growth and industrial competitiveness. At the Forum, I look forward to exploring opportunities for knowledge and technology transfer, discussing regional approaches to carbon pricing and credit markets, and strengthening ties on techno-regulatory frameworks.
Just as international collaboration will be key to accelerating CCS deployment across Southeast Asia, strong policy and investment signals remain essential here at home. It was pleasing to see the current policy settings around CCS remain stable in last night’s Federal Budget—a sign of growing maturity in how Australia views the role of carbon capture in our low-emissions future. But stability is only the starting point. We now need to see greater ambition from both sides of politics to accelerate deployment, scale investment, and unlock the full potential of CCS as a cornerstone of our net zero transition.
At CO2CRC, we’re proud to support this momentum through practical research, strong partnerships, and a focus on scalable solutions. I look forward to bringing our experience to the Asia CEO Forum—and just as importantly, to returning with fresh perspectives and new opportunities for collaboration. I hope to share some exciting developments with you in the next edition.
Dr Matthias Raab, CEO.
CO2CRC Engages with Federal Leaders on Australia’s Low-Carbon Future
CO2CRC CEO Dr Matthias Raab joined senior industry leaders, including the Hon. Don Farrell MP, Australia’s Special Minister of State and Minister for Trade and Tourism, to discuss the nation’s path toward a low-carbon economy at a recent roundtable hosted by Low Emission Technology Australia.
The high-level meeting focused on Australia’s legislated emission reduction targets and the strategic role of carbon capture and storage (CCS) in balancing environmental commitments with economic resilience. As Southeast Asia and Australia ramp up efforts to decarbonize, CCS continues to gain momentum as a critical technology in the global energy transition.
Dr. Raab’s participation underscores CO2CRC’s growing influence in shaping national dialogue around emission reduction strategies.
With over two decades of applied CCS research, CO2CRC brings deep expertise to the table as Australia refines its approach to achieving net-zero emissions. Active engagement in policy and strategic forums enables CO2CRC to contribute science-backed insights as regulations evolve.
The Hon. Don Farrell (left) meeting CO2CRC’s CEO Dr Matthias Raab.
CO2CRC Brings Science and Binoculars to STEAM Students in Nullawarre
Students from the STEAM class at Nullawarre & District Primary School were treated to a special visit from staff at CO2CRC’s Otway International Test Centre (OITC) this month, receiving a class set of binoculars and engaging with experts in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology.
The visit was part of a broader initiative to support science education and environmental engagement in the local community. Funded by a community grant, the binoculars will be used by students to observe the abundant birdlife around Nullawarre, a region rich in natural biodiversity.
For the past three years, the school has proudly taken part in the Great Australian Birdwatch, with students tracking and recording bird species from their schoolyard. Some of their most exciting discoveries include wedge-tailed eagles soaring over the region. The new binoculars will enhance this learning experience and provide opportunities for students to engage in citizen science.
CO2CRC staff also spoke with the students about carbon capture and storage—an important technology in the fight against climate change—and shared how research at the OITC is helping build a cleaner, more sustainable energy future for Australia.
In addition to the binoculars, the grant also helped fund programmable classroom robots and a drying rack to support the school’s hands-on STEAM learning.
Here’s Looking at you: Students from Nullawarre & District Primary School are geeting their eye in for the Great Australian Birdwatch.
Explore Science in Action at OITC Open Day
CO2CRC is opening the gates of its world-class research facility to the public with a special Open Day at the Otway International Test Centre (OITC) on Saturday, 5 April, from 10am to 3pm.
Located in south-west Victoria, the OITC is a globally recognised hub for carbon capture and storage (CCS) research and development. The Open Day is a rare opportunity for community members, families and science enthusiasts to see inside a cutting-edge research site helping Australia transition to a low-emissions future.
Guided site tours will take place at 11am and 1pm, offering a behind-the-scenes look at how CO2 is safely stored deep underground and how CO2CRC’s monitoring technologies are helping to advance clean energy solutions.
The day will also feature a free BBQ lunch, barista-made coffee, and hands-on activities for kids, making it an engaging outing for the whole family.
Whether you’re curious about carbon storage, interested in environmental science, or just looking for a great local event – the OITC Open Day offers something for everyone.
CO2CRC Showcases Otway Innovation, Strengthens Global Ties
Speaking to an engaged, technical audience, Dr. Watson shared CO2CRC’s latest innovations from the OITC and explored how future research collaborations are helping to meet the requirements of the growing CS industry.
The conference offered valuable insights across a range of emerging themes in the CCUS space, from AI-powered geomechanical monitoring to advanced reservoir modelling. Conference attendees ensured a focused, high-quality discussion around key technical challenges and solutions.
“Presenting the Otway International Test Centre (OITC) to a new US-based audience generated real interest,” said Dr Watson. “There’s growing recognition of CO2CRC’s OITC capabilities and the value it brings to validating CCS technology, particularly new, commercial monitoring solutions.”
The conference confirmed a growing global demand for proven, scalable CCS solutions—a space where CO2CRC and its research partners are well positioned to lead. The presence of consultancies and service providers reinforced a key message: the role of CCS is now recognised as essential for effectively meeting net zero, and now requires skills and capabilities at a similar scale as the oil and gas industry .
“By continuing to establish strategic industry and research collaborations and sharing our expertise,” Dr. Watson said, “CO2CRC and the Otway International Test Centre will remain at the forefront of global CCS research.”
Photo Gallery: Dr Max Watson was privileged to share Australia’s position on CCUS in Houston, Texas. Click on an image below to learn more.
Dr Max Watson Answering Questions in Houston
Dr Max Watson answers audience questions following his presentation at the CO₂CRC event in Houston, Texas.
OITC Presentation Carbon Lounge Guest Researcher
Guest researcher delivers an in-depth OITC presentation during a climate-focused event at Carbon Lounge in Houston.
OITC Research Presentation CO2CRC Houston
An external researcher presents groundbreaking OITC research during an event at Carbon Lounge in Houston, Texas.
External Researcher Talks OITC in Houston
An external researcher shares insights from the Otway International Test Centre (OITC) during a presentation in Houston.
Presentation
A presentation during the CCUS event in Houston, Texas.
Dr Watson’s OITC Presentation in Houston, Texas
Dr Max Watson presents key research from the Otway International Test Centre at a CO₂CRC event in Houston, Texas.
Max Watson OITC Location
Dr Max Watson discusses research outcomes and innovations from the Otway International Test Centre (OITC) during a CO2CRC focused-event.
The OITC and Carbon Research
Dr. Max Watson presents at a CO2CRC focussed event in Houston, sharing insights on carbon storage and climate innovation.
Max Watson Carbon Solutions Explained
Dr Max Watson explains cutting-edge carbon management solutions during his presentation at a CO₂CRC event in Houston
Max Watson Explains Carbon Capture Strategies
Dr Max Watson presents advanced carbon capture strategies during a CO₂CRC session at the Carbon Lounge in Houston
Dr Watson Presenting in Houston
Dr Max Watson delivers a keynote presentation on carbon technologies at a CO₂CRC event in Houston, Texas.
Dr Max Watson Discussing Carbon Solutions
Dr. Max Watson leads a discussion on real-world carbon solutions at a CCUS event in Houston, Texas.
A Carbon Sequestration Run Down
Dr Max Watson explains a carbon sequestration diagram during his CCUS presentation in Houston.
Dr Watson Q and A Session after Presentation
Dr Max Watson engages in a Q&A session with attendees following his presentation at the CO₂CRC event in Houston.
the Community at the Carbon Lounge Houston
Members of the USA’s sustainability and energy community gather at Carbon Lounge for a CO2CRC presentation and knowledge-sharing event.
Technical Audience at the Carbon Lounge
Engaged audience of technical professionals attending a carbon research presentation at Carbo Lounge in Houston, Texas.
See you at AEP
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
CO2CRC Training and Education
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.
FILLING FAST: CCS Education Course for Regulators, Government Policymakers, and Non-Technical Professionals 9 April 2025
Online
9 April 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. It 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.
The course will provide attendees with the skills required to understand and proficiently evaluate, at a strategic and conceptual level, the technical, regulatory, economic and environmental aspects surrounding CCS. This course will equip policy makers and other non-technical professionals with the knowledge necessary for them to make better informed decisions and to create more effective policies related to CCS.
Presented by CCS technical 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 30 places available. Secure your spot today:
Contact Simone De Morton or read more information.
Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Geological Storage: Principles, Practices, and Applications course
Melbourne
13-15 May 2025
This comprehensive 3-day course delves into the intricate realm of CCUS. Participants will gain insights into the urgent need for emission reduction measures, particularly in the context of fossil fuel usage and industrial processes.
The course explores the principles underlying geological storage, methodologies for site identification, and various CO2 capture technologies employed in stationary sources.
Presented by CCS technical expert Dr Max Watson
“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.
Follow CO2CRC today on LINKEDIN to keep up to date with the latest news on our ground-breaking demonstration and research projects.
Energy Transition News
24/03/25 Netherlands Grants First CO2 Storage Emissions Permit In The EU – Carbon Brief. For the first time in both the Netherlands and the European Union, an emissions permit has been issued for an underground CO2 storage project.
24/03/25 Canadian Oil Execs Demand End To Federal Carbon Pricing System– Carbon Herald. This week 14 CEOs from major oil and gas companies and the Conservative Party Leader, called for the repeal of the 6 year old Canadian carbon pricing system.
22/03/25 Exxon abandons Gippsland basin CCS project, but doesn’t say why– Renew Economy. Exxon Mobil has spiked a proposal to store captured carbon in an old offshore gas field in the Gippsland basin off the coast of Victoria.
21/03/25 EU Innovation Fund Backs Largest CCS Facility In Europe – Carbon Herald. The EU Innovation Fund has announced its support for the largest and most cost-efficient full-chain CCS facility in Europe.
20/03/25 Harbour Energy continues on its CCS course with new exploration well – Upstream online. Operator plans to drill a test well in Norway, while progressing with Greensand and Viking projects in Denmark and UK.
19/03/25 Ohio And West Virginia Move Forward With Carbon Storage Legislation – Carbon Brief Lawmakers in Ohio and West Virginia have introduced bills aimed at regulating the underground storage of CO2.
18/03/25 Debate participants push for more subtle UK approach to CCUS risks – Gasworld. A UK-focused industry debate following the release of a report on prospects for CCUS has highlighted how CCUS. project costs are still rising and the UK government needs to get a better handle on risk management.
10/03/25 Denmark Gets Two Bids for Offshore CCS Sites– oedigital The Danish Energy Agency has received two applications to explore storing CO2 in the subsurface in the nearshore areas Inez, Lisa and Jammerbugt.
10/03/25 Indonesia poised to lead regional CCS initiative: Expert – Indonesia Business Post. Indonesia has the potential to lead in CCS technology in the Asia-Pacific region, with significant geological advantage of having an estimated storage capacity of up to 603 gigatons.
10/03/25 Five suitors vying for Eni’s carbon capture business, sources say – Reuters. Five suitors have submitted non-binding bids for a minority stake in the carbon capture and storage (CCS) business of Italian energy group Eni, two source said.
10/03/25 Trump won’t hurt Australia’s net zero investment but uncertainty might – AFR. Donald Trump’s return to the White House will not derail the energy transition, but policy uncertainty in Australia is making it harder to invest.
10/03/25 Coalition’s delayed climate targets ‘a big bet on an unknown future’ – AFR. US climate insider Jonathan Pershing says the Coalition’s energy policy is consistent with “intolerable” global temperature increases.
07/03/25 Pacific nations should lobby China on climate change: Littleproud – AFR. Nationals Leader says a Coalition government would pressure China and India to do more to curb carbon emissions and called on Pacific Island nations to do the same.
05/03/25 Gas wars erupt as Coalition pledges to unleash ‘bucketloads’ of fuel – The Age. Coalition promises to fast-track drilling permits to unleash “bucketloads” of new gas, and Labor hits out at “cowboy” policies that threaten to override environmental laws.
04/03/25 Baker Hughes to supply technology for CCS and data centres – upstream online. Developer Frontier Infrastructure will employ Baker Hughes’ expertise in at two least two major projects in US
04/03/25 Scandinavia’s green light for CCS – cement. The Scandinavian countries of Denmark, Norway and Sweden have set course for sustainable cement production. Buying into a low-carbon future and decarbonised cement production is expected to see huge benefits for jobs and the climate in future years.
03/03/25 South32 Worsley Alumina to explore CCS potential in landmark study with Pilot Energy – AIcircle. Pilot Energy, a leader in the clean energy transition, has partnered with South32 Worsley Alumina to conduct a feasibility study on CCS for its operations.
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