ExxonMobil is undertaking early front-end engineering design studies (pre-FEED) to determine the potential for carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from multiple industries in the Gippsland Basin.

The South East Australia carbon capture and storage (SEA CCS) hub would initially use existing infrastructure to store CO₂ in the depleted Bream field off the coast of Gippsland, Victoria. The company is in active discussions with local industries that may be interested in accessing the SEA CCS hub to reduce emissions from their operations.

The project is designed to capture up to 2 MM metric tpy of CO₂. If technical and business feasibility is confirmed, the SEA CCS hub could be operational by 2025.

“Collaboration with other industries is an important step to unlock future carbon capture and storage opportunities for Australia, with the potential for large-scale reductions in the highest emitting industrial sectors,” said Joe Blommaert, president of ExxonMobil Low Carbon Solutions. “Sound government policies will accelerate the deployment of key technologies required to support society’s ambition for a net-zero future.”

ExxonMobil established its Low Carbon Solutions business to commercialize the company’s extensive lower-emission portfolio with the objective to create long-term shareholder value and support global emission-reduction efforts.

The largest U.S. oil producer is also planning on a hydrogen (H₂) production plant and a CCS project at its Baytown refinery near Houston, Texas, in an effort to reduce its carbon footprint.