Australia’s Woodside plans carbon capture and utilization facility in Perth

Australian LNG producer Woodside and US-based technology developers ReCarbon and LanzaTech have launched a collaborative studies program aimed at converting carbon emissions into “useful” products.

According to a Woodside statement on Friday, the three firms are investigating the viability of a proposed carbon capture and utilization (CCU) pilot facility in Perth, Western Australia.

The proposed pilot facility would recycle greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane into value-added ethanol using ReCarbon and Lanzatech’s technologies.

Moreover, the ReCarbon technology would convert carbon dioxide and methane into synthesis gas, with the LanzaTech technology fermenting the synthesis gas into ethanol.

Traditionally, ethanol manufacture relies on land and water use for source crops, such as corn. CCU reduces the reliance on these natural resources, Woodside said.

The LNG producer believes CCU is an emerging field with growing demand from existing and potential customers seeking alternative solutions for lower carbon.

FEED phase

Woodside said the project has already entered the front-end engineering design phase.

The move is a part of Woodside’s climate strategy. In December last year, Woodside said it would invest $5 billion in emerging new energy markets such as hydrogen by 2030.

Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill described CCU as an “exciting addition” to the portfolio as it looked at carbon as an opportunity and resource, not just a challenge.

“What’s notable about CCU is the wider co-benefits. Some end products have a further decarbonization benefit. Products such as ethanol can be used as raw materials in the chemical manufacturing industry,” O’Neill said.

“We also see a potential role for the technology in helping to abate some of our Scope 1 and 2 emissions,” she said.

Most Popular

YPF CEO: FID on second Argentina FLNG expected by July

Pan American Energy, Golar LNG, YPF, Pampa Energia, and Harbour Energy plan to take a final investment decision on Argentina's second floating LNG production unit by the end of July, according to YPF CEO Horacio Marin.

Sempra still targets Port Arthur LNG expansion FID in 2025

Sempra Infrastructure, a unit of Sempra, still expects to make a final investment decision on the second phase of its Port Arthur LNG export project in Texas in 2025.

Egypt’s EGAS inks new FSRU charter deal with Hoegh Evi

Norwegian FSRU player Hoegh Evi has signed a new charter deal with Egypt’s EGAS to deploy a converted FSRU in Egypt. Hoegh Evi will convert the LNG carrier Hoegh Gandria to a floating storage and regasification unit.

More News Like This

Woodside terminates Commonwealth LNG SPA

Australian LNG player Woodside has terminated its two LNG sale and purchase agreements with US LNG terminal developer Commonwealth LNG.

Wood bags Louisana LNG pipeline gig from Woodside

UK-based consulting and engineering firm Wood has secured a contract from Australian LNG player Woodside for the latter's Line 200 pipeline project, which will deliver natural gas to the recently approved Louisiana LNG project.

Worley scores contract extension from Woodside

Australian LNG player Woodside has awarded a two-year contract extension to compatriot engineering firm Worley to support the Karratha gas plant and Pluto LNG assets in Western Australia.

BP to supply feed gas to Woodside’s Louisiana LNG

UK-based energy giant BP has agreed to supply feed gas to Woodside's three-train, 16.5 mtpa Louisiana LNG export project.