Gorgon CCS Project Hits New Low in Carbon Capture and Storage

M.Chen — Tue, 02 Dec 2025 11:40:50 +0000

The world’s largest carbon capture and storage (CCS) project, operated by Chevron at the Gorgon gas field off Western Australia, has reported its lowest level of CO2 captured and stored since commencing operations in August 2019. The latest data shows just 1.33 million tonnes (Mt) of CO2 were captured in FY 2024-25.

Key Takeaways

Gorgon CCS captured only 1.33 Mt of CO2, the lowest since its start in August 2019.
The project’s performance has declined significantly; it captures just 25% of the total CO2 emissions from Gorgon and associated gas fields.
Even at full capacity, Gorgon CCS would only capture about 8% of total emissions related to its operations.

The decline in carbon capture performance is concerning as it underscores the limited impact of CCS technology on reducing overall greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The project’s design rate aims for capturing and storing up to 4 Mt CO2 annually, but even this figure would only address a small fraction of total emissions.

According to Climate Action Tracker, current global trends suggest a rise in average temperature by 2.6°C above pre-industrial levels if no significant action is taken. The fossil fuel industry has highlighted CCS as one potential solution to mitigate climate change impacts but the Gorgon project’s performance raises doubts about its efficacy.

Comparatively, other gas fields with proposed CCS projects like Woodside’s Browse and Inpex’s Bonaparte show similar limitations in their capacity to significantly reduce GHG emissions. For instance, if all the gas from the Gorgon fields were burned at power stations in Asia-Pacific, it would result in 50 MtCO2 annually, with only 2.66% captured by CCS.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much CO2 does the Gorgon project capture compared to its total emissions?

The Gorgon CCS captures only 1.33 Mt of CO2 annually, which is just 8% of the total emissions if it operates at full capacity and even less in reality.

What percentage of CO2 does the Gorgon project capture compared to its associated gas fields?

The Gorgon CCS captures only 25% of the CO2 from the Gorgon and associated gas fields, highlighting significant underperformance.

In conclusion, while the Gorgon CCS project represents a major effort in carbon capture technology, its current performance raises questions about the scalability and effectiveness of CCS as a solution to mitigate climate change. The data indicates that alternative strategies may be necessary to achieve meaningful reductions in GHG emissions.

The post Gorgon CCS Project Hits New Low in Carbon Capture and Storage appeared first on Auto Global News – Global Car News & Reviews.

Hawaii’s LNG Proposal: A Fossil Bridge or a Detour?

M.Chen — Wed, 26 Nov 2025 13:32:08 +0000

Hawaii is reconsidering its energy strategy with liquefied natural gas (LNG) as a potential bridge fuel to transition from oil dependency towards renewable sources by 2045. The state currently relies heavily on oil, particularly in Oahu where it supplies over 10 TWh annually of the total statewide consumption.

Proponents argue that LNG offers cleaner emissions and lower costs compared to residual fuel oil, which is currently used extensively for electricity generation. However, critics highlight that this solution might be a detour from achieving long-term renewable goals due to lifecycle emissions associated with LNG supply chains.

The current energy mix in Hawaii includes significant thermal power generation, with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems playing an increasingly important role but still insufficient to meet peak demand. The closure of the last coal plant was filled entirely by oil-fired plants, illustrating the challenge of transitioning away from fossil fuels quickly and efficiently.

Despite the high cost of electricity in Hawaii—among the highest in the United States—the push for renewables is driven not only by environmental concerns but also by economic factors. Solar energy on rooftops has grown significantly, contributing to daytime demand reduction, yet thermal power remains indispensable during off-peak hours and cloudy days.

One key issue with adopting LNG as a bridge fuel is its potential impact on the state’s ambitious renewable goals. The legal requirement for 100% renewable electricity by 2045 means any new fossil asset would need to be retired early or converted, limiting the economic lifespan of such investments.

Moreover, while proponents argue that LNG reduces local air pollution and provides reliability during the transition period, critics point out that oil-fired generation is inflexible and poses health risks due to sulfur dioxide, particulates, and heavy metals. The debate underscores the need for a balanced approach between immediate energy security and long-term sustainability.