What is the Gorgon carbon capture and storage project?

The Gorgon CCS project is a large-scale industrial development in Western Australia aiming to capture CO2 from LNG production and inject it underground.

Why is the Gorgon CCS project underperforming?

Chevron states underperformance is due to the need to manage pressure levels in the geological reservoir, requiring ongoing optimization work.

Is carbon capture and storage a viable climate solution?

Critics argue that projects like Gorgon show CCS is not yet a viable climate solution, citing low capture rates and high costs relative to emissions reduction.

Home / Environment / Carbon Capture Fails: Billions Invested, Little Stored

Carbon Capture Fails: Billions Invested, Little Stored

14 Dec

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Summary

Gorgon CCS project injects only 1.33m tonnes CO2, less than promised.
Critics argue CCS technology is not a viable climate solution.
Chevron cites reservoir pressure management for injection decrease.

Carbon Capture Fails: Billions Invested, Little Stored

The Gorgon carbon capture and storage (CCS) project, a $3bn development on Barrow Island, Western Australia, is facing criticism for underperformance. Despite federal government backing and an original 2016 operational target, the project has repeatedly been delayed and is now injecting significantly less CO2 than promised. Last financial year, only 1.33 million tonnes were captured, down from previous years, leading critics to question the technology's efficacy as a climate solution.

Chevron, the project operator, states that issues stem from managing pressure levels in the geological reservoir. While work is underway to optimize this system, CO2 injection rates have decreased. Analysts express concern that the project is becoming less effective annually and may not be viable at scale, especially as it would capture a small fraction of the development's total emissions when exported fuel is burned.