Reducing greenhouse gas emissions

Tuesday 6 March 2007

The impact on the coal industry of capturing CO2 emissions and storing them underground will be discussed during an address tomorrow by a leading researcher in the field of geosequestration.

Geosequestration is the capture of CO2 from major sources such as large fossil fuel-based energy facilities and industrial plants and the storage of that CO2 in deep geological sites such as depleted oil and gas fields and unmineable coals.

The Chief Executive Officer of the Cooperative Research Centre for Greenhouse Gas Technologies (CO2CRC), Dr Peter Cook, will address a public lecture on the issue at the University of Newcastle.

Dr Cook said the CO2CRC, along with CSIRO, was researching the carbon dioxide storage potential of coal systems in the Hunter region.

"Decreasing greenhouse gas emissions is one of the key environmental issues facing Australia and the world. There is an urgent need to reduce the atmospheric concentrations of greenhouse gases that are likely to cause change," Dr Cook said.

"The Hunter region, as a major coal producing area, must be proactive in addressing the impact of greenhouse gas on climate change and geosequestration will be an important part of the answer."

The CO2CRC is acknowledged as one of the world's leading research groups studying carbon dioxide capture and storage. CO2CRC is also conducting Australia's first geosequestration demonstration project in south-western Victoria.

The area of CO2 capture and storage has been identified as a priority by the NSW State government and the Australian coal mining industry.

The University of Newcastle's Priority Research Centre for Energy is also taking a leading role in the minimisation of greenhouse gases emissions, developing and commercialising new, innovative technologies in collaboration with industry and international organisations.

The University's Priority Research Centres bring together researchers across health, energy and the environment, and science and engineering, to embark on research driven by stronger strategy and to maximise their competitive strengths.

Photo opportunity: Dr Peter Cook will address a public lecture in the Basden Theatre, the University of Newcastle, at 10am on Wednesday 7 March 2007.

Contact: Dr Peter Cook 0419 490 044.