Low Emission Technology Australia (LETA) is disappointed in today’s decision by the Queensland Government to refuse the continuation of Glencore’s Carbon Transport and Storage Corporation (CTSCo) project.
Queensland’s Department of Environment, Science and Innovation released their decision today that the CTSCo test injection project has been determined as not suitable to proceed.
Chief Executive Officer of LETA, Mark McCallum, said today’s decision is very disappointing and puts at risk Queensland’s net zero ambitions and the future of the state’s critical industries.
“Queensland has set ambitious net zero targets including 75% net zero by 2035. Following today’s decision, Queensland’s net zero ambitions will cost more, take longer and may even be impossible.
“This result is very disappointing for the future of Queensland’s critical industries including power generation and manufacturing. Without a credible solution for reducing emissions from these hard to abate industries, their future becomes uncertain and Queensland jobs and communities are put at risk.
“Today’s decision also raises significant concerns about the inconsistencies in Queensland legislation. While one Act of legislation facilitates and encourages investment in carbon storage, there is a technicality in another Act that prevents a project like CTSCo from moving forward.
“Reducing greenhouse gas emissions is critical and Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology has an important role to play as part of a portfolio of actions to reduce emissions.
“The CTSCo project has been independently reviewed by Australian and global experts, including the Australian Government Independent Expert Scientific Committee (IESC), the Queensland Office of Groundwater Impact Assessment (OGIA) and CSIRO who concluded that any impacts would be local and minor. Given the conclusion of those expert bodies, today’s decision is hard to accept.
“If the CTSCo project does not go ahead then Queensland will effectively be closing the door on CCS technology and turning its back on the future for some of the critical industries that we rely on every day.
“Around the world, Governments, including in the US, UK and EU, are investing billions of dollars in CCS technologies to support emission reduction efforts of large critical industries like steel, cement and power. Australia cannot afford to be left behind when it comes to supporting the adoption of this important technology.”
LETA has been investing in low emissions technologies, for more than a decade to significantly reduce emissions and support the transition to a low emission global economy.
LETA has been a partner in the CTSCo project since 2014, as part of a group that has provided funding and technical support.
LETA remains committed to collaborating with government, industry, and our international trading partners to further explore new technologies that will support Australia to reach net zero emissions while ensuring a future for the critical industries that support Australian jobs and households every day.
ENDS