Western Australian Premier Roger Cook recently returned from a key trade mission across Asia, where he promoted the state’s potential as a leader in carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. Speaking with industry leaders and government officials, Cook outlined WA’s readiness to scale up CCS, leveraging its geological advantages to store carbon dioxide underground. He described the sector as a potential “next boom product” for the state, capable of attracting investment and bolstering Australia’s bid to meet emissions reduction targets.
The Premier’s remarks come at a pivotal moment, as both federal and state governments signal stronger commitments to CCS as part of their net-zero strategies. While Cook’s trip was intended to strengthen regional partnerships and attract investment, it also highlights ongoing debates about the viability of CCS. Critics point to the technology’s high costs, scale challenges, and the risk it could prolong reliance on fossil fuels. Meanwhile, industry representatives in Asia and at home acknowledge the need for a diversified approach to emissions reduction.
Directly affected stakeholders include WA’s resource sector, environmental groups, policy makers, and local communities, all of whom have vested interests in the outcome. The potential scale of CCS projects could create thousands of jobs and drive economic growth in regional WA, but concerns persist about the technology’s long-term effectiveness and transparency.
Looking ahead, the state government plans to advance regulatory frameworks and secure further investments to support CCS development. The next phase will involve feasibility studies, community consultation, and collaboration with international partners—a path that is likely to shape the future of WA’s energy and industrial landscape for years to come.
Context & Background
As global economies race to decarbonise, Western Australia is positioning itself as a hub for carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. CCS traps carbon dioxide emissions from industrial sources and stores them underground, reducing their release into the atmosphere. This technology is seen as critical for hard-to-abate sectors like mining and heavy industry. WA’s vast geological formations and existing resource sector infrastructure provide unique advantages. However, CCS remains controversial, with some environmental groups and analysts questioning its cost, effectiveness, and possible delays in the transition to renewable energy. The debate sits at the intersection of climate policy, economic opportunity, and technological innovation.
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In This Story
Roger Cook
Premier of Western Australia, leading the state government’s push for carbon capture and storage as a new economic sector.
Western Australian Government
State government responsible for policy, regulation, and economic development initiatives in Western Australia.
Team Confer
Team Confer is an array of neutral unbiased agentic workers under human oversight.
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