Woodside, Japanese trio sign MoU to study CCS value chain

Woodside Energy and Japanese companies Sumitomo Corporation, Toho Gas, and Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding (MoU) to study the potential for a carbon capture and storage (CCS) value chain between Japan and Australia, Woodside announced on September 12.

The MoU covers the capture, storage, and transportation of CO2 emissions from industry in the Chubu region of Japan. Woodside will conduct the study of injection and storage of the CO2 at Australian storage sites. The captured CO2 will be liquefied using a technology developed by Toho Gas and transported to Australia by a low-temperature, low-pressure liquefied CO2 carrier.

Woodside executive vice president Shaun Gregory said the MoU reflected the demand for largescale and near-term decarbonisation solutions.

“Woodside sees CCS as an opportunity, which will require coordination and collaboration – between jurisdictions, across government and between government and industry,” he said. “CCS has the potential to provide a pathway for industry in the region to decarbonise."

“Japan is one such country that faces the challenge of emissions reduction and will foreseeably look to near-neighbour nations to support their efforts,” added. 

Woodside last year was awarded two new offshore greenhouse gas storage areas by the Australian government. The permits are for a joint venture between Inpex, Woodside and TotalEnergies for area G-7-AP over GHG21-1 in the Bonaparte basin, and for Woodside for area G-8-AP over GHG21-3 in the Browse basin. Both the permits are located offshore northwestern Australia.