J-POWER partners with Australian companies to explore carbon capture and storage opportunities

The Japanese utility and its partners will study the feasibility of carbon sequestration off the coast of Australia.

Japan’s J-POWER is teaming up with 2 Australian companies – deepC Store and Azuli – to explore carbon capture and storage (CCS) opportunities.

deepC Store and Azuli have been awarded greenhouse gas assessment permits, or GHG acreages, in the Bonaparte and Browse Basins. This area is 200–250 kilometres off the northwest coast of Australia.

Under a joint study agreement, the 3 companies will explore the feasibility of capturing carbon dioxide (CO2) emitted in Japan, Australia and the surrounding region, and storing it in Australia. The project has the potential to permanently store up to 1 gigatonne of CO2.

J-POWER and its partners intend to transport liquified CO2 from Japan, Australia and the surrounding region, to floating storage and injection facilities in Australian waters.

Australia’s CCS opportunities

Released in May 2024, Australia’s Future Gas Strategy details how gas will support the Australia’s transition to net zero in partnership with the world. It includes plans to grow carbon management and geological storage in Australia. This includes releasing more acreage for offshore CCS.

In its 2024–25 Budget, the Australian Government committed A$556.1 million over 10 years to map Australia’s resources and geological storage potential.

The Government will also work on establishing regulatory frameworks and bilateral agreements on carbon sequestration. This will provide regional partners with options for energy security and carbon management solutions. 

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