A new carbon sequestration research centre that is expected to play a critical role in reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions has opened in Perth.

 

The National Geosequestration Laboratory (NGL), based out of the Australian Resources Research Centre, is a collaboration between the CSIRO, University of Western Australia and Curtin University.

 

The laboratory will conduct research that will support the implementation of commercial-scale carbon dioxide storage programs, including the South West Hub Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Flagship project in Western Australia.

 

Minister for Science and Research, Senator Chris Evans, said the facility will be one of the most important centres for research, training and technology development for the global resources sector.

 

"Effective carbon capture and storage technologies are key to securing Australia's clean energy future and reducing global warming," Senator Evans said.

 

"The commercial use of carbon capture and storage technologies is expected to drive significant emissions reductions in Australia's electricity generation sector.

 

"The NGL will provide critical research to develop innovative solutions to minimise any risk associated with the long term storage of CO2."

 

Lead agency CSIRO received $48.4 million from the Federal Government's Education Investment Fund for the project.

 

The NGL provides opportunities for large scale collaboration on a local, national and international scale between government, industry and the community, and will be a significant drawcard for attracting international research talent and cooperation.

 

"By strengthening partnerships between industry, government and the global research community we will secure genuine sustainability and the best results," Senator Evans said.

 

The NGL will support projects under the $1.68 billion CCS Flagships program, a key component of the Gillard Government's Clean Energy Future package.