WA Gas Project Risks: Carbon Capture Concerns Mount

A proposed carbon capture and storage (CCS) project by Woodside off Western Australia's north-west coast has ignited environmental concerns. Critics warn the project could set a precedent for future oil and gas developments, highlighting the significant cleanup expenses observed after another energy company's recent collapse. This includes the potential for regular seismic blasting, described as firing underwater air guns, to monitor the stored carbon dioxide over decades, a responsibility that would eventually fall to the Commonwealth.

Environment groups are vocal about the risks, pointing to the recent decommissioning challenges of the Cliff Head CCS project as a cautionary tale. They express apprehension regarding infrastructure cleanup and the overall efficacy and scalability of CCS technology, which has faced global struggles despite substantial investment. Concerns also extend to the broader climate impacts of extracting gas from the Browse basin, with new research predicting severe damage to the Great Barrier Reef due to increased coral colony deaths from future mass bleaching events.