Woodside Energy is progressing its Angel carbon capture and storage (CCS) project, a proposed large-scale, multi-user facility offshore Western Australia near Karratha. The project aims to create a hub that can receive CO2 from various domestic emitters via pipeline and from international sources via ship. The collected CO2 would be transported to a central facility and then injected via subsea pipeline into the depleted Angel gas field's subsurface reservoir. Initial injection capacity is planned at 5 million tonnes per annum, with potential future expansion to between 8 and 10 million tonnes per annum, depending on demand.

Project Status and Approvals

The project is currently in the pre-front-end engineering and design phase, advancing engineering studies, regulatory approvals, and customer development. It aims to enter the front-end engineering and design phase after finalizing preliminary customer agreements, targeting a final investment decision and first CO2 injection in the early 2030s. The venture holds an offshore greenhouse gas assessment permit for the Angel field, awarded in 2022 for geological storage. Australia's offshore regulator, NOPSEMA, is currently evaluating the Environment Plan for necessary survey work.

Geophysical and Geotechnical Surveys

To support the project, Woodside plans geophysical and geotechnical surveys within the permit area. The data will inform the design of pipeline and umbilical routes, subsea structure foundations, and planning for drilling unit placements. These surveys will also support baseline studies on existing infrastructure and potential future activities. The work is expected to involve around 100 days of survey activity once approvals are secured.

Survey Methodology and Operations

Survey operations will utilize several vessel types: a multi-purpose project vessel for geophysical surveys and light geotechnical work, and a supply vessel with a seafloor drilling unit for geotechnical drilling. Uncrewed surface vessels, controlled from a remote operations centre, are likely to be used for numerous tasks over the project's life. Operations will occur in water depths ranging from approximately 35 metres to 135 metres at the Angel field.

Strategic Importance

The successful deployment of CCS in Western Australia is seen as having the potential to contribute significantly to meeting greenhouse gas emission reduction targets. For Woodside, the Angel CCS project represents a key addition to its portfolio of carbon management options as it works towards its net zero by 2050 aspiration.