CCS essential in any pragmatic path to net zero
Dear Colleagues and Partners,
The pivot to pragmatism in public debate over emissions reduction is seeing a significant increase in recognition of the vital role carbon capture must play if net zero targets are to be met.
In the two weeks since the Federal Government announced its 2035 emissions target and Net Zero Plan – which highlights the essential role of carbon storage – we’ve heard multiple voices endorsing CCS.
On a visit to Japan last week Resources Minister Madeleine King highlighted Australia’s “huge potential for CCS,” adding “we have the right geological formations, the right infrastructure, and the right skills to be at the forefront of CCS and to help our regional partners in their own decarbonisation journeys.”
In its latest report, Net Zero Australia says carbon capture and storage must play a big role in reaching net zero by 2050, with storage capacity needing to be boosted at least 15 times current levels.
The Climate Change Authority and the International Energy Agency have continued to highlight the critical role of CCS in removing emissions from the atmosphere.
The challenge for industry and government is to convert words into action – and that is very much the current focus of CO2CRC.
Already hosting two of the world’s largest pure-play carbon storage projects at Gorgon and Moomba, Australia is well placed to generate economic as well as environmental benefits from CCS.
A report by Wood McKenzie published last year said Australia could unlock up to $600 billion in revenue by creating a carbon capture and storage (CCS) industry and becoming a storage hub for the Asia-Pacific region.
And a more recent EY Parthenon report commissioned by Low Emission Technology Australia found that a fully networked CCS industry along Australia’s east coast alone could generate up to around $66 billion in economic activity, support up to an additional 15,250 Australian jobs over the coming decades and enable the capture of up to 50 million tonnes of CO2 annually.
But delivering these benefits involves meeting significant challenges and won’t come without hard work.
At CO2CRC, we are preparing our future works program that is a vital missing link to create pilot-scale demonstrations that ensure we can make operating CCS projects more cost-effective and compliant with regulations while enabling Australia to retain global leadership on innovation in emissions reduction technology.
The role of CO2CRC’s research and development work, and the demonstration capacity of our Otway International Test Centre, places us at the forefront of Australia’s emissions reduction efforts.
CCS is now established as an essential part of several flagship policy platforms of the Australian Government: the Safeguard Mechanism for emissions reduction, as well as the Future Made in Australia and Future Gas Strategy initiatives.
CO2CRC has aligned all major research organisations in Australia and is proposing a 10-year action plan, the Future Program, to address the nation’s needs to store carbon dioxide irrespective of origin or industry.
Defending his emission reduction ambitions, Energy and Climate Change Minister Chris Bowen says ‘the cost of inaction far exceeds the cost of action.’
Just ten years out from 2035, the time for action is now.
Dr Matthias Raab
CEO
Click on the image above to read Resources Minister
Madeline King’s endorsement of CCS.
CO2CRC unveils 2026–35 Future Program to build a CCS-ready Australia
CCS is an essential component of an effective set of solutions for Australia to meet its 2035 and 2050 targets, particularly for safeguard facilities. By investing in this research, Australia can de-risk the pathway to Net Zero, protect the revenue stemming from our critical export industries, and build the sovereign capability to meet Paris Agreement commitments and the Climate Change Act.
A CCS ready Australia:
Introducing CO2CRC’s Future Program.
Deadline extension - Call for abstracts - CCS Symposium 2026
CO2CRC Limited and the 2026 Symposium Technical Program Committee have been incredibly impressed by the quality of abstracts submitted so far, and due to strong interest, we’re extending the deadline!
New submission deadline: Friday, 10 October 2025
We invite submissions for Australia’s premier Carbon Capture and Storage event: the CO2CRC CCS Symposium 2026.
Join global experts, government leaders, and pioneering researchers as we explore ‘The role of CCS in confronting energy realities’ and tackle the challenges of large-scale decarbonisation.
Whether you’re showcasing demonstration project outcomes, applied research, or breakthrough enabling technologies, this is your opportunity to share your work on a global stage.
– Submissions are welcome from industry, academia, and government.
– Early career professionals, students, and underrepresented groups are also strongly encouraged to apply.
Key Topics:
• Subsurface Characterisation & Modelling
• Injection & Reservoir Management
• Monitoring & Verification
• AI & Digital Innovation in CCS
• Risk, Regulation & Infrastructure
• Applications & Emerging Technologies
Be seen. Be heard. Be part of shaping the future of CCS. Submit now.
For queries about the abstract process, please contact us.
Submissions extended: The call for abstracts has been extended for the CCS Symposium 2026.
CCS takes the spotlight: CO2CRC CEO Dr Matthias Raab outlines role in Australia’s energy future
Speaking at this year’s NT Resources Week during the Clean Energy & Decarbonisation Conference, CO2CRC CEO Dr Matthias Raab outlined the critical role of Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) in meeting Australia’s evolving energy and emissions challenges.
In a presentation titled “The Role of CCS in Challenging Energy Realities,” Dr Raab described CCS as a ready-now solution that is proven, and essential to achieving national decarbonisation goals. He highlighted Australia’s leadership in the space, noting that the country hosts two of the world’s largest CCS projects.
“CCS is not theoretical. It is here, it is working, and it is making a difference,” Dr Raab told conference delegates. “As we transition to a net-zero economy, CCS must be part of the toolkit alongside renewables, electrification, hydrogen and storage.”
While reaffirming support for cleaner energy pathways, Dr Raab also urged a practical approach grounded in Australia’s current energy mix. “In 2024–25, more around 70% of Australia’s primary energy still comes from fossil fuels. CCS offers a pathway to reduce emissions from existing infrastructure without waiting for wholesale change.”
One area where CCS can have an immediate impact is in natural gas and LNG processing sectors, that together account for roughly 40-45 million tons of CO₂ emissions annually. Dr Raab pointed to emerging CCS projects across the country, along with a growing east-west divide in policy support, as signs that momentum is building, albeit unevenly.
“There are solid policy drivers in place, but Australia’s CCS regulatory framework, especially offshore, remains complex,” he said. “Targeted support is needed to streamline approvals, enable shared infrastructure, and improve access to mechanisms like the Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCU).”
He also emphasised that Australia risks falling behind regional peers, such as Southeast Asian nations, that are investing heavily in CCS projects, while governments expedite regulations. “This is not just about climate. It’s about industrial competitiveness and securing our future as a net-zero economy.”
Dr Raab concluded with a call for clear, Australia-specific action, tailored to the country’s unique energy realities and industrial strengths. “We need to face the challenge with urgency and confidence. CCS is a tool we already have. The question is how quickly and decisively we use it.”
CCS in challenging energy realities: CO2CRC’s CEO Dr Matthias Raab presenting during NT Resources Week’s Clean Energy & Decarbonisation Conference.
Australia–Korea CCUS seminar showcases regional collaboration in decarbonisation efforts
A high-level Korean delegation met with Australian industry and government leaders in Sydney this week at the Australia–Korea CCUS Industry Seminar, highlighting growing momentum for cross-border cooperation in carbon capture and storage (CCS) across the Asia-Pacific region.
Hosted by the Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade), the seminar brought together stakeholders from both nations to explore strategic partnerships aimed at accelerating deployment of CCUS technologies: an essential tool in the global push toward net-zero emissions.
CO2CRC’s Business Development Director, Paul Barraclough, addressed the seminar, presenting Australia’s leading CCS research and demonstration capabilities. As one of the country’s foremost organisations in applied carbon capture research, CO2CRC shared insights into its large-scale field projects and collaborative R&D models.
“CCUS is a proven tool that’s delivering real decarbonisation across energy and industry globally,” said Paul Barraclough. “International collaboration and trans-boundary cooperation are essential to scaling up CCS in the region and supporting APAC countries in achieving their net-zero goals. This seminar was another great initiative from Austrade to identify and develop these opportunities.”
In addition to CO2CRC, delegates heard project updates from Mitsui E&P Australia, INPEX, and The CarbonNet Project. The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water also presented on evolving CCUS policy frameworks, commercial readiness, and enabling infrastructure.
The seminar is part of a broader diplomatic and industrial engagement strategy between Australia and South Korea, both of whom are investing in CCUS as a pillar of their decarbonisation roadmaps. South Korea has identified Australia as a potential long-term partner in carbon storage, owing to its geological suitability and existing infrastructure.
CO2CRC thanks Austrade for convening the event and reaffirming its commitment to deepening ties with Korean and other Asia-Pacific partners to scale up CCUS deployment.
Advancing Carbon Capture and Storage: CO2CRC’s Business Development Director, Paul Barraclough, third from right, with delegates from the conference.
CCS test centre field trip - 13 October
The week following the 2nd Carbon Capture Australian Conference, we’re offering tours of our world-renowned Otway International Test Centre (OITC).
Come and join our Field Trip on 13 October, visit the OITC, and learn about our CO2 injection experiments and research over the past 20 years.
Enjoy a comfortable return journey from Melbourne’s CBD to the OITC, located in Nirranda South, south-west Victoria. Your ticket includes travel, a guided site tour, Q&A, and lunch. This day visit will return participants to Melbourne that evening.
Date: October 13, 2025
Time: 7.30 am – 5.30 pm
Lunch: Provided
Ticket: $400 inc. GST
Bus pickup address: 289 Wellington Parade South, Melbourne (CO2CRC Limited head office).
There are a limited number of seats on the bus, so book now!
At the frontier of carbon innovation: The Knowledge Hub at the OITC, which will be hosting visitors keen to learn more about CCS on the 13 October, 2025.
Global universities partner with CO2CRC, supporting Australian CCS Innovation
In a major boost to international collaboration in carbon capture and storage (CCS), CO2CRC has partnered with several world-renowned institutions as new research members, including Stanford University, the University of Texas and the University of Queensland.
CO2CRC CEO, Dr Matthias Raab, said the surge in academic engagement represents more than just new partnerships, it signals a reawakening of ambition in Australian science.
“As our key energy policies demand, we are rebooting CCS research in this country” Dr Raab said. “The required emissions reductions require large-scale rollout of CCS, and the calibre of our university partners is a clear sign that brilliant minds from around the world are converging on Australia to solve the most pressing challenge of our time: reducing emissions through carbon management technologies, like CCS.”
These partnerships come as CO2CRC continues to advance operations at the Otway International Test Centre (OITC). The OITC is the world’s most comprehensive CCS field research hub, developing and optimising CO₂ storage and monitoring techniques. The work being done at the OITC is shaping the future of low emissions technologies, both in Australia and globally.
In a further vote of confidence, two longstanding Australian research leaders, the University of Melbourne and Curtin University, have reaffirmed their commitment to CO2CRC, reinforcing its position as Asia-Pacific’s premier hub for CCS research and innovation.
“Science thrives when institutions work together,” Dr Raab added. “And with our growing international collaborations, we keep developing the fastest and most cost-effective pathways to reducing emissions, globally.”
Boosting Australian CCS research: a big welcome to our new and renewed members.
Taiwanese delegation visits CO2CRC to boost regional collaboration on carbon management
CO2CRC has welcomed a senior delegation from Hsinchu City, Taiwan, led by Acting Mayor Mr Chiu Chen-Yuan, as part of a high-level exchange to strengthen regional cooperation on industrial decarbonisation and advanced carbon management technologies.
The delegation, which included Mr. Ray Lu, Director General of the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office (TECO) in Melbourne, visited CO2CRC’s headquarters.
The visit underscored the growing interest among Asia-Pacific economies in leveraging CCUS technologies to meet emissions reduction targets and accelerate their carbon dioxide reduction processes.
“Sharing our CCUS know-how with regional partners is key to accelerating carbon management pathways,” said Kwong Soon Chan, CO2CRC’s Chief Commercialisation Officer. “We were pleased to have the opportunity to engage with the Hsinchu City delegation and TECO, while exploring opportunities for future collaboration.”
During the visit, delegates received an in-depth overview of CO2CRC’s research and development capabilities, including:
- Information about how CO2CRC is shaping the Future of CCS worldwide, including in Taiwan
- How the OITC provides commercially relevant demonstrations of carbon management technologies
- Information about our capture technology and how it can be deployed at scale.
Through regional and international partnerships, CO2CRC aims to support global decarbonisation by sharing technical expertise and fostering innovation-driven collaboration. You can view photos from the visit by clicking on a gallery thumbnail below:
Acting Mayor Chiu Chen-Yuan presents a gift to CO2CRC CEO Dr Matthias Raab.
Hsinchu City Acting Mayor, Chiu Chen-Yuan (left), CO2CRC CEO Dr Matthias Raab (centre) and Ray Lu, the Director General of TECO.
KS Chan presenting to the delegates at CO2CRC’s head office.
Dr Matthias Raab (centre right) and KS Chan (far right) with delegates from Hsinchu City.
Registrations now open – super early bird savings
As the world races to build clean energy systems, the hard realities of energy supply cannot be ignored. While renewables are accelerating, hydrocarbons remain essential, widespread, and continue to grow in use—driven by the energy demands of expanding, and developing, economies and populations.
Carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies provide one of the few viable pathways to reduce emissions while preserving energy security and affordability. Yet a widening investment gap threatens to slow progress, with current CCS funding falling well short of what’s needed to keep net-zero ambitions on track. Australia is a key player in closing that gap.
The role of CCS in confronting energy realities
Join us at the CO2CRC CCS Symposium 2026 to explore how technical, economic, policy, and political forces are shaping Australia’s contribution to CCS innovation—both at home and on the world stage.
This three-day event will bring together:
- 200+ delegates 50+ guest speakers
- World class international and local speakers from industry, academia, and government
- Premium networking with the industry’s most experienced veterans and emerging talent
- Policy updates from senior government speakers
- Welcome drinks and gala awards dinner
- Award winning RACV venue
We’ll present the latest findings from the Otway International Test Centre, dive into project updates across sectors, and host critical conversations on how to accelerate CCS investment and deployment.
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 the CCS Fundamentals course and CCS Principles, Practices and Applications. Contact Max Watson for more information.
CCS Fundamentals Course
8 October 2025 | 8.30am – 5.00pm AEDT | online
This 1-day course 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.
This course, led by CO2CRC’s technical experts, leveraging experiences from past industry background and the CO2CRC Otway International Test Centre’s CO2 storage operations, covers all aspects of the CCUS chain, including effective CO2 capture, transport, storage and monitoring. It explores the challenges of the current technology of geological storage, monitoring and verification including examples from working projects around the world.
It reviews technologies adapted from the petroleum industry, as well as new approaches critical to CCUS. As successful CCUS deployment also require risk management, economic drivers, appropriate regulation, clarity on liability issues and community acceptance, these aspects of CCUS and the corresponding opportunities for appropriately skilled organisations and individuals are also discussed.
“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.
CCS Principles, Practices and Applications Course
5 – 7 November 2025 | 8.30am – 5.00pm AEDT (each day) | Melbourne
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.
Additionally, it delves into the crucial aspects of compression, transport, and the economics surrounding CCUS initiatives. Furthermore, participants will examine the multifaceted landscape of community engagement, safety protocols, legal frameworks, and regulatory requirements inherent in successful CCUS deployment.
Throughout the course, real-world examples and case studies from operational projects worldwide will be utilised to provide context to the challenges and opportunities within the field, providing organisations and individuals with the requisite knowledge and skills to navigate this evolving landscape.
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
26/09/2025 Heidelberg Materials set to commence construction on CCS facility in UK – World Construction Network. The project is set to start later this year, with an aim to produce evoZero net-zero cement by 2029
26/09/2025 Albanese bets on fantasy climate targets as Trump bets on coal – AFR. The prime minister ignored Donald Trump’s rant against renewables as he promoted Australia’s green credentials during his big week in New York.
26/09/2025 Petrobras approves saline reservoir CCS pilot – Riviera. Brazil’s national oil major has launched a project to capture and store 100,000 tonnes of CO2 per annum in a saline reservoir pilot .
25/09/2025 Britain signs deals for carbon capture projects creating 500 jobs – Reuters. Britain has signed contracts for two commercial CCS projects.
25/09/2025 UK energy from waste sector could go carbon negative by 2035 – Envirotech. This is dependent on CCS technology being deployed rapidly, according to a new report from Baringa, commissioned by EfW operator enfinium.
25/09/2025 Resources minister Madeleine King says there’s no net zero without large-scale CCS – The Australian. Madeleine King says CCS is needed.
24/09/2025 Is it Bonaparte or bust for hopes of carbon capture? – The Australian. Bonaparte could help determine whether Australia embraces CCS as a pillar of its net-zero ambitions, or shuns it as a costly distraction from the renewable energy race.
24/09/2025 Labor’s net zero plan feels like a ScoMo 2.0 climate target playbook – the Age The Albanese government’s new plans to reach net zero by 2050 lack the same details for which the Morrison government was criticised.
24/09/2025 Aircapture Launches First Commercial DAC System In Japan – Carbon Herald Aircapture has partnered with Japanese concrete producer AIZAWA to install a commercial direct air capture facility in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.
23/09/2025 The inevitable outcome of Labor’s Soviet-style climate plan – AFR. If we really want to do something meaningful and effective in reducing emissions, we’re going to have to make use of the magic of the market.
21/09/2025 3 firms plan to pipe CO₂ under the sea in global warming fight – The Asahi Shimbum A project in Chiba Prefecture, would collect carbon dioxide from factories in the prefecture along Tokyo Bay for storage deep under the seabed.
19/09/2025 CATF Roadmap Charts Cost-Effective CCS Deployment For Central and Eastern Europe – Carbon Herald. A new policy brief outlines how government action on CCS could reduce the cost of industrial decarbonization in Central and Eastern Europe.
18/09/2025 Chris Bowen banks on electrification, tech to hit net zero – The Australian The Albanese government is banking on turbocharging hydrogen and CCS while scaling down gas use and striking technology breakthroughs to meet its 2035 emissions-reduction target.
18/09/2025 Williams And University Of Wyoming Drill Deepest Well For Carbon Storage Study – Carbon Herald. The University of Wyoming has completed a 3.5 mile deep stratigraphic test well to evaluate the potential for large-scale carbon storage.
16/09/2025 CCS financial risks climb as EPA cuts emissions program – Politico Pro. Supporters of CCS say the move would reduce the sector’s revenue and economic activity.
12/09/2025 Asia reprices CCS bets as Nature slashes storage math – NAI500. A new Nature study cutting global geological carbon storage capacity to roughly 1,460 GtCO2 is already reshaping policy talk and capital flows in Asia.
11/09/2025 Indonesia eyes CCS for emissions cuts, investment – Antara. The government’s priority for developing the CCS industry is twofold: to reduce emissions and to create new investment opportunities.
08/09/2025 Trump Administration Sets Roadmap For Offshore Carbon Storage Rules – Carbon Herald. The Trump administration published an outline of its regulatory ambitions for the energy sector and offshore carbon storage.
Subscribe
Know a friend or colleague who would be interested in CO2CRC’s Insights Newsletter?
Tell them to subscribe below