The Western Australian government has opened nominations for the state’s 2026 acreage release, inviting resources companies to put forward preferred areas for petroleum and greenhouse gas storage exploration.
The nomination period closes on June 20, ahead of formal competitive bidding rounds scheduled for later in the year.
In a policy shift, the annual program will include regulated substances such as hydrogen and helium for the first time, alongside potential greenhouse gas storage locations. The expansion marks a regulatory evolution aimed at supporting the state’s emerging green energy and carbon management sectors.
The new framework takes effect from May 28 under the Petroleum Legislation Amendment Act 2024. The updated legislation modernises WA’s resource management guidelines, providing clearer titling pathways and regulating activities tied to the transport and permanent injection of captured carbon dioxide.
According to the state government, the updated greenhouse gas transport and storage regulations were developed in close consultation with resource sector leaders.
Proponents can nominate areas encompassing vacant land and state-designated prime zones that offer strong resource potential and close proximity to existing regional infrastructure.
The Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) will review all submissions to assess market demand and technical viability before finalising the acreage release blocks.
Mines and Petroleum Minister David Michael said: “Western Australia has a strong history of using acreage releases to attract high-quality exploration proposals and build the next pipeline of projects.
“Our petroleum sector remains a vital contributor to the state economy, ensuring WA continues to be a reliable energy partner for our domestic market and global neighbours.
“I’m pleased that for the first time, the acreage release program will include hydrogen, helium, and areas suitable for exploring greenhouse gas storage sites.”