Greenhouse gas storage takes Queensland to cleaner energy future

The safe storage of greenhouse gas emissions has the potential to be the single most important way to significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions in Queensland, Mines and Energy Minister Geoff Wilson said today.

Mr Wilson told State Parliament that greenhouse gas capture and storage held the key to a greener, cleaner energy future for Queensland.

“The Greenhouse Gas Storage Bill 2008 will allow industry to explore for greenhouse gas stream storage sites,” he said.

“The Bligh Government is leading the field in this exciting new technology. We’re looking beyond the horizon, building tomorrow’s Queensland today.

“The coal, petroleum and gas industries are keenly interested in greenhouse gas storage, particularly from coal-fired power stations,” Mr Wilson said.

“Tarong Energy is working on a pilot project in partnership with CSIRO to capture greenhouse gases at the Tarong power station.

“This project alone has the potential to capture 1500 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year - the equivalent of filling 30 million balloons with carbon dioxide.”

“Work is well underway on a world-first project right here in Queensland that’s expected to demonstrate technology capable of cutting emissions from a typical coal-fired power station by ninety per cent.

“It’s the first project of its type anywhere in the world and industry and governments across the globe are watching and waiting on the outcome.

“Our Callide oxyfuel project is retro-fitting an existing power station with technology that will see coal burned in oxygen and gases rather than air, creating a concentrated stream of CO2 which can be captured, transported and stored.

“And there’s our ZeroGen project. It could become the first in the world to combine coal gasification with carbon capture and storage, to produce electricity with low carbon dioxide emissions.

“It’s all about smarter, cleaner power - converting coal into hydrogen gas to generate power.

“ZeroGen plans to build a demonstration power plant close to the Stanwell power station near Rockhampton.

“It aims to capture carbon dioxide released in the combustion process at the site, and store it underground in deep saline reservoirs in the Northern Denison Trough.

“It’s Q2 at its very smartest. We’re taking Queenslanders and the rest of the nation into the future with strong, smart, green solutions.

“While we push ahead with renewable energy solutions and gas-fired power, coal will continue to play an important role in providing the power we need to get on with our daily lives.

“Our key challenge is to use it in an environmentally-sustainable way and that’s where the Bligh Government is showing real leadership.

“We will ensure that our storage technology meets the most stringent environmental standards. Every storage proposal will be independently assessed,” he said.

Media Inquiries: Ellen McIntyre 3225 1819