The aim of the CO2CRC Otway Project (Otway) is to demonstrate that carbon capture and storage (CCS) is a viable option for CO2 mitigation under Australian conditions. The Otway Project is Australia’s first demonstration project and is well underway with injection having started in April 2008 and over 23,000 tonnes of CO2 injected by the end of September.
Project activities commenced in late 2004 and being the first, faced significant regulatory and execution challenges. In 2005, the emphasis was on feasibility and project development. Following a rigorous technical and consultative approach, the project regulatory permitting process was defined, the site characterisation and risk assessment started and the field implementation organization defined. In 2006 the project focused on reducing the uncertainties and following Front End Engineering Development (FEED) process as part of seeking approval for major expenses. Several technical challenges were faced and dealt with in finalising the new injection well location and the plant design. The monitoring and verification plan was defined and data acquisition for the pre-injection atmospheric, soil gas and water chemistry characteristics started.
In 2007, the project entered the execution phase with the successful drilling of a new injection well. A rich data set of cores and logs was collected enhancing the reservoir model and dynamic simulations. Monitoring activities continued and a 3D surfaceseismic and vertical seismic profile (VSP) acquired concurrently to define the pre injection baseline. Through a complex workover operation, the observation well was equipped with an integrated geophysical and geochemical sensor assembly to facilitate collecting monitoring data during injection. Surface installations, such as the process plant and the pipeline were constructed and the system commissioned in readiness to commence injection.
At each stage the project faced several non-technical and technical challenges. In overcoming these, valuable insights have been gained and lessons learnt. These have been incorporated in the proposed Australian legislation on CCS and planning for future projects. To date the project has been positively received by the community. Injection has commenced and supported by a rigorous monitoring and modeling program, is well on its way towards gaining public acceptance for CCS under Australian conditions, through a comprehensive community consultation program and safe and successful operations.