A new legislative framework for greenhouse gas storage and transport takes effect today, unlocking low‑emissions opportunities for Western Australia’s resources sector while introducing pathways for naturally occurring hydrogen and helium exploration.
The Petroleum Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (PLAA) provides the regulatory certainty needed to drive the development of these emerging industries.
Carbon capture and storage is being adopted globally to decarbonise operations, supporting WA’s climate policy and its commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
The amendments introduce acreage release and licensing provisions for greenhouse gas storage, create property rights for storage formations and set clear requirements for site closure and long-term liability.
The PLAA also enables the transport of greenhouse gas via pipelines and ushers in reforms to the State Petroleum Acts including new polluter pays provisions and additive blending in pipelines.
To support implementation, the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) has developed supporting regulations, systems and guidance material, incorporating stakeholder feedback to assist proponents in navigating the new requirements.
These legislative changes provide the department with contemporary regulatory pathways to effectively oversee WA’s evolving energy sector and emerging carbon storage technologies.
The impact of the new Act is reflected in the State Government’s call for greenhouse gas, petroleum and regulated substance acreage release nominations, which opened today.
More information is available on DMPE’s website at dmpe.wa.gov.au
The new Act amends the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources Act 1967, Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 and Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982.
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