Carbon Capture and storage offers a proven solution to significantly offset carbon emissions by safely and permanently storing CO2 underground. It is integral to the world’s energy transition.
The Arckaringa Basin, located in South Australia’s vast outback is ideal for CCS projects due to its unique geological setting with both subsurface gas-free coal seams and saline sandstone reservoirs.
Proximity to mining industries supports energy-intensive operations, while abundant space and resources make it well-suited for Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies.
It is well positioned to benefit from any future CO₂ importation infrastructure that may be developed in Port Bonython.
The Arckaringa Basin is a geologically mature region, characterised by favourable conditions for carbon storage
Site includes multiple geological formations suitable for CO2 storage, including coal seams and saline sandstone formations, providing flexibility and scale in storage solutions.
Carbon dioxide can be stored at depths between 300 to 1,000 meters, significantly reducing operational costs compared to deeper alternatives.
Coal seams exhibit excellent permeability and absorption capabilities which allows for low cost, secure and efficient CO₂ storage.
Sandstone formations boast favourable core characteristics such as porosities of 22% and permeabilities exceeding 1,000mD, ensuring low cost, long-term storage stability.
Extensive prior studies and petroleum exploration work over decades, including seismic surveys and drilling, validate the region’s suitability for carbon storage.
The Boorthanna Sandstone of the Arckaringa Basin is an ideal geological carbon sequestration target. The Early Permian aged sandstones are of high quality and are overlain by the mudstones and shales of Stuart Range Formation, which provides a competent regional seal.
ACV aims to use proven injection technology to sequester CO₂ in the Boorthanna Sandstone at depths below 800m.
To date, an extensive dataset has been compiled, including well, geological and geophysical data. Detailed computer models are being built to simulate the movement of CO₂ within the reservoirs over long periods of time, thus ensuring permanent containment of the CO₂.
Future work will include various laboratory studies, dynamic simulation models, followed by a pilot plant and ultimately full development.
Approximately 400km to the east of ACV’s project, Santos has recently initiated South Australia’s first carbon sequestration project. The Moomba CCS Project achieved first CO₂ injection in 2024 and is capable of safely storing up to 1.7 million tonnes per annum of carbon emissions in the depleted sandstone reservoirs near the Moomba Gas Plant.
Sandstone reservoirs are the most common store for geological carbon sequestration. In the Boorthanna Trough of the Arckaringa Basin, high-quality sandstone reservoirs are overlain by a thick competent seal, making them an ideal carbon sequestration target
Sequestration onto Coals in the Arckaringa Basin
Coals act as a carbon sponge and are an ideal target for geological carbon sequestration. CO₂ is adsorbed directly onto the coals, providing a chemical bond with coal, and thus permanent containment. This approach to sequestration is new to Australia but has been trialed elsewhere in the world.
The Permian aged coals of the Mt. Toondina Formation in the Arckaringa Basin will be ACV’s first target for coal adsorption sequestration.
For coal carbon sequestration, gaseous CO₂ water can be injected into the coals via a closed loop system. Water and gas are injected in one well, and water is recovered via a second well after passing through the coal seam. The coal adsorbs the CO₂ with water left as a by-product.
The process of using coals for CO₂ storage has not yet been trialed in Australia. ACV is conducting research and development activity to prove this process is viable in the Arckaringa Basin. This process could be more compatible with Direct Air Capture (DAC) technologies as it requires lower CO₂ concentrations.
Coal has a natural tendency to capture and hold onto CO₂ in a sponge-like fashion (molecular adsorption). Targeting shallow coal seams in the Arckaringa Basin will result in lower drilling and completion costs. Analysis done by ACV indicates the coals have adequate permeability and a consistent thickness for this type of sequestration.
Once the technology is proven in Australia, this type of sequestration can easily be transferred to other coals settings around the Australian mainland.
Our leadership team is committed to pioneering innovative solutions that address global climate challenges whilst maintaining focus on commerciality with integrity. Combined with decades of technical, commercial and geoscientific experience to drive the success of our mission. Meet the experts behind ACV:
Neil brings over 30 years of experience in the energy sector. As Managing Director of ASX: EXR, he has led numerous large-scale energy projects and developed innovative strategies in a number of play opening businesses. Neil’s visionary leadership and industry expertise are pivotal to ACV’s mission.
Jeremy has over two decades of experience in the oil and gas industry, specialising in commercial, technical, and capital markets roles. As ACV’s CEO, Jeremy’s strategic direction is central to driving the company’s growth and achieving its ambitious milestones.
Greg has an impressive 40 years of geoscientific experience, particularly in South Australia. His in-depth knowledge of geological formations and resource management ensures ACV’s operations are grounded in scientific excellence.
Ms Allinson is a Fellow of The Association of Certified Chartered Accountants, a Fellow of the Governance Institute of Australia, and an NSX Nominated Advisor. Her 30 years accounting and auditing experience include senior positions in listed companies.
