Australia approves seabed site for Japanese carbon storage project

Australia has designated a seabed storage site near its northern coast for a project led by the Japanese energy company Inpex. The site is intended to store up to 443 million metric tons of carbon dioxide.

The project, located near Darwin in the Northern Territory on the Timor Sea, has sparked debate regarding carbon capture and storage (CCS) technology. Proponents argue that CCS is essential for reducing emissions from heavy industries such as shipping and steel production. Conversely, critics express concerns that the technology may harm endangered wildlife and critical habitats, while potentially prolonging the global reliance on fossil fuels.

While the International Energy Agency views carbon capture as a tool for curbing climate change, its net-zero emissions scenario suggests the technology may contribute less than 5% of emission reductions by 2050. Inpex is currently conducting environmental impact assessments and must secure additional government licenses before CO2 injection begins.