Australia has secured the bid to host the 18th Greenhouse Gas Control Technology Conference (GHGT-18) in Perth in 2026, reinforcing its position as a global leader in carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) research and development.
This prestigious event, run by the IEA Greenhouse Gas R&D Programme, will bring together over 1,000 CCUS researchers, industry leaders, government officials, and stakeholders from around the world.
GHGT-18 will be co-hosted by Australian Energy Producers, CSIRO, CO2CRC, and the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment, and Water.
The conference aims to showcase the latest developments in greenhouse gas control technologies and provide a platform for discussing global climate solutions.
Samantha McCulloch, Chief Executive of Australian Energy Producers, highlighted Australia’s standing in CCUS: “Australia has two of the largest carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects operating globally – Chevron’s Gorgon Project and the Santos and Beach Energy joint venture Moomba Project. These projects are today storing emissions equivalent to taking one million cars off the road each year.”
McCulloch emphasised that CCUS is a key technology in efforts to reach net zero in Australia and the region, citing support from the International Energy Agency, Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, and CSIRO.
This will be the third time Australia has hosted the global conference, following events in Cairns (2000) and Melbourne (2018).
The selection of Perth as the host city is expected to elevate Western Australia’s global reputation as a prime destination for impactful events.
The announcement coincided with a major CCUS milestone for Australia, as the Moomba CCS Project achieved first injection and full ramp-up.
McCulloch noted Australia’s comparative advantage in CCUS, citing world-class geology, industry experience, and strong links with regional trading partners.
The conference is not only an opportunity to showcase Australia’s technological advancements but also to create new jobs and attract investment.
Business Events Perth’s support for the conference underscores the economic potential of hosting such a significant global event.
As the world continues to focus on climate change mitigation, GHGT-18 in Perth will play a crucial role in advancing CCUS technologies and fostering international collaboration in the fight against global warming.