CCS Future Program: For Government
CO2CRC Future Program 2026-35A strategic partnership to enable the Safeguard Mechanism, secure our Future Gas Strategy, and build a CCS-Ready Australia
Australia has legislated ambitious 2035 and 2050 emissions targets under the Climate Change Act. However, without a proven, scalable solution for our largest industrial sectors, we cannot credibly meet these goals. Our vital, multi-billion-dollar export industries face significant risk from tightening global carbon standards, and our national research capability in this critical field is at risk. This Future Program is a direct and necessary investment into action.
The CO2CRC Future Program 2026-35 is a >$240 million, 10-year collaborative initiative designed to deliver the practical, field-validated tools required for a “CCS-Ready Australia.” It is built on a well-proven co-investment model that unites industry, Australia’s leading research institutions, and government. This program is not a speculative venture; it is the only national-scale bid for CCS research this decade, designed to provide the technical certainty needed to underwrite our nation’s energy transition.
A direct investment in Australia’s national agenda
CO2CRC’s Future Research Program 2026-2035 is a direct and necessary response to Australia’s legislated climate and economic priorities, providing the practical tools to secure our nation’s prosperity.
Enabling the Safeguard Mechanism
Our program delivers the validated, cost-effective storage and monitoring technologies that industry needs to comply with the Safeguard Mechanism. It provides the only pathway to permanent, at-source abatement for new gas fields, enabling investment with confidence.
Securing the Future Gas Strategy
The Future Gas Strategy confirms LNG’s critical role, but its emissions intensity must fall. Our research provides the proven pathway to achieve this at scale, securing our multi-billion-dollar export industry and enabling the production of certified low-emissions gas, hydrogen, and ammonia.
Driving the 'Future Made In Australia' policy
By de-risking CCS, this program anchors new clean industries, supports manufacturing supply chains, and creates regional jobs, directly supporting the ‘Future Made in Australia’ agenda and the development of national CCS hubs.
Building Sovereign Capability
A successful energy transition requires a highly skilled workforce. This program reinvests in our 20-year legacy, rebuilding the postgraduate training pipeline and ensuring Australia has the expert workforce required to manage a national CCS rollout, independent of foreign expertise.
Meeting International Obligations
Our research builds the technical confidence to meet our Paris Agreement commitments and unlock new, multi-billion-dollar export opportunities in regional CO₂ storage services under the London Protocol.
The Program: A three-pillar strategy anchored by a $200M national asset
This program secures the future of the A$200M+ Otway International Test Centre (OITC), a globally unique deep subsurface laboratory. Without this investment, planning for its decommissioning must begin in 2026. The OITC is the cornerstone of our strategy, providing the field-validated data that underpins all three pillars of the Future Program.
Deliver regulatory & industry assurance
To build confidence in project approvals and public trust. We will validate CO₂ plume behaviour, predict geomechanical responses, and deliver cost-effective, regulator-ready monitoring technologies.
Deploy national CCS hubs
To maximise Australia’s storage resources and cut costs. We will deliver basin-scale models to coordinate multiple projects and establish frameworks for the safe re-use of existing wells and pipelines.
Build critical mass
To create new jobs and position Australia as a trusted leader. We will deploy AI-enabled digital twins, prove the techno-economics of CCS, and use the OITC as a national hub for workforce training.
A partnership built on proven governance
CO2CRC is a trusted, non-profit entity with a 20-year track record of successfully managing large-scale, complex national research programs. All partner investment will be managed under a robust governance framework, including a Board of Directors with senior industry and research leaders, and a Program Advisory Committee (PAC) that gives industry and government partners direct oversight to ensure research remains aligned with national priorities.
Secure Australia’s net zero future
We are now seeking a foundational partnership with the Commonwealth Government to support our pre-budget submission. Your co-investment is the critical step to unlocking partner funding, securing our national infrastructure, and delivering on Australia’s climate and economic agenda.
To discuss this strategic partnership, contact us directly.
Email: futureprogram@co2crc.com.au
Phone: +61 3 8595 9600