Curtin University is leading the transition to a more sustainable future by partnering with CO2CRC, a leading carbon capture and storage research organization, in a significant multimillion-dollar agreement spanning three years.
Experts from the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences at Curtin will utilize their seismic monitoring and advanced geophysics expertise to oversee the underground injection of thousands of metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2) at the Otway International Test Centre in Victoria.
Leveraging state-of-the-art fiber optic sensors, the Curtin team will closely monitor the behavior of the gas in the next phase of the Otway Project. This pioneering initiative aims to advance our understanding of carbon capture and storage technology, testing its safety and feasibility in mitigating the impact of carbon emissions on a large scale.
Professor Roman Pevzner, the project lead, emphasized the critical role of carbon capture and storage in addressing climate change and meeting future emissions targets. He stressed the importance of ensuring its safety and effectiveness.
“If you inject CO2 into the ground, you need to monitor it, and using geophysics and fiber optic sensing allows us to do this very effectively,” Professor Pevzner said. “We can make sure the gas isn’t going where it shouldn’t be, and it’s also good at detecting leaks that might be too small for other forms of monitoring.”
The Centre for Exploration Geophysics Director, John Curtin Distinguished Professor Boris Gurevich emphasized the exciting new capabilities offered by the technology.
“Until recently, fiber optic sensors like these didn’t exist. They are ideal for long-term monitoring as they can remain undisturbed for extended periods,” Professor Gurevich explained.
Curtin’s involvement in previous stages of the Project has been significant, and the university will continue to contribute through a new $2.4 million collaboration agreement supported by Low Emission Technology Australia.
This funding forms part of the overall $50 million Project, with support from partners such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, BP, BHP, and the Governments of Japan, Korea, and Australia.
Curtin’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research, John Curtin Distinguished Professor Melinda Fitzgerald, highlighted the university’s real-world impact through its ongoing partnership with CO2CRC.
“Curtin undertakes research in areas which are critical for Australia and the world, both right now and in the future,” Professor Fitzgerald said. “The Federal Government recently released its National Science and Research Priorities, which included protecting and restoring Australia’s environment — Curtin’s relationship with CO2CRC highlights how we are leading the way with this crucial objective — to make tomorrow better.”
Dr. Matthias Raab, Chief Executive, emphasized that the collaboration with Curtin University reinforces Australia’s pivotal role in advancing global carbon capture, utilization, and storage initiatives.
“Australia should be proud of the rigor and veracity of the work that is being done to achieve meaningful outcomes in the national and international interest,” Dr. Raab said.
“The International Energy Agency has said global 2050 climate goals are unattainable without carbon capture, utilization, and storage, so with renewable energy rolling out slower than needed in most major economies, there is an increasing need to accelerate new carbon capture and storage projects.”
