CO₂ storage studies released

New studies have been released which show potential for the underground storage of carbon dioxide in NSW for the first time.

Until now there has been little information about the potential for CO₂ storage in the State, but the two new studies reveal that NSW does indeed have that potential.

Initial results have identified 16 areas of interest in the Darling Basin as having potential depths suitable for CO₂ sequestration.

The Sydney Basin Study identified areas adjacent to the Great Dividing Range which may have potential rock formations suitable for CO₂ storage.

More detailed work will now be undertaken to assess the viability of these sites.

An additional study into the storage potential of coal seams in the Sydney Basin has identified three regions where sufficient coal is expected to occur at depths suitable for CO₂ storage.

NSW is committed to reaching an interim target of Year 2000 greenhouse gas emission levels by 2025 and a long term target of a 60% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.

For information on the Sydney and Darling Basin studies go to:

http://www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/minerals/geological/publications/reports