The Western Australian government has introduced the Petroleum Legislation Amendment Bill 2023 and the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Safety Levies Amendment Bill 2023.
The proposed legislation is designed to enable the transport and storage of greenhouse gases in Western Australia, aligning with net zero emissions ambitions within the WA Climate Policy and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy.
As well as introducing a framework for greenhouse gas storage and transport, the exploration of naturally occurring hydrogen will be accommodated for as a regulated substance in the Bill.
The government notes carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS), which involves capturing and storing carbon dioxide to reduce emissions from industrial-scale processes and projects.
“CCUS is one tool being used by hard-to-abate industries to decarbonise their operations across the world and is a mechanism the Cook government supports to achieve net zero emissions by 2050,” reads a statement.
Western Australian Mines, Petroleum and Hydrogen Industries Minister Bill Johnston says the proposed legislation is “one of many options” for the state’s response to climate change.
“As part of this response, the Bill provides the legislative certainty to encourage greenhouse gas storage projects and the development of the industry,” he says.
“The Cook government is aware industry is interested in exploring for naturally occurring hydrogen as an alternative source of energy, and we’re committed to reducing emissions.
“Together, this amendment will assist government and industry to progress towards the goal of reaching net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.”
