Minister for Resources and Water Keith Pitt has announced five new areas in Commonwealth waters are now available to explore for greenhouse gas storage opportunities.

Pitt said the bidding round opened today for the 2021 Offshore Greenhouse Gas Storage Acreage Release, which is centred around prospective locations offshore Northern Territory and Western Australia.

Pit added: “This is Australia’s first greenhouse gas acreage release since 2014 and it provides a pathway for future carbon capture and storage projects.

“The Government is committed to reducing emissions through the use of technology, not taxes or impositions on business, while also ensuring that our industries remain strong.

“Australia has the capacity to continue to be an energy export leader, at the same time as providing a regional hub for the storage of greenhouse gas.

“Carbon capture, use and storage is one of the priority technologies we are developing.

“The proximity to gas fields and existing infrastructure provide opportunities for industry partnership and collaboration, further industrial development and the creation of jobs.

“All 2021 Offshore Greenhouse Gas Storage Acreage Release areas are based on industry nominations and were subject to public consultation.

“The government is responding positively to real industry demand for CCS – a technology that we are supporting.”

Work program bids are to be submitted to the National Offshore Petroleum Titles Administrator between Friday 4 March 2022 to Thursday 10 March 2022.

Maps for the 2021 Offshore Greenhouse Gas Acreage Release, public consultation comments and information on the bidding process can be found at the Department’s 2021 Offshore Greenhouse Gas Acreage Release web page.