THE NORTHERN Territory Government has signed a memorandum of understanding with Dutch company Vopak to cooperate on development of a carbon dioxide (CO2) import terminal.
The project between the NT government and Vopak aims to progress the development of common user infrastructure for CO2 import, storage and handling in the NT’s Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct, a planned industrial hub near Darwin.
Vopak specializes in liquid bulk storage and handling, for products including chemicals, oil, and gases, headquartered in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
Eva Lawler, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory said, “The Lawler Labor Government is committed to developing the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct, strategic industrial land to accommodate advanced manufacturing and green energy production.
“I am excited to be partnering with Vopak who have been contributing to the energy security and economic development of the Northern Territory with their operations in East Arm for almost 20 years.
“This project contributes to the NT’s goal of a $40 billion economy by 2030 and our transition to net zero by 2050. This agreement leverages Vopak’s global expertise in developing infrastructure solutions to accelerate the energy transition worldwide.”
According to Vopak, the CO2 infrastructure will be designed to manage the import, storage and distribution of carbon dioxide efficiently and accessibly.
The facility will be shared infrastructure that can be used by various companies to help manage carbon emissions.
The imported CO2 can come from different sources, such as industrial plants, that capture carbon emissions to prevent it from being released into the atmosphere.
Once the CO2 is imported, it needs to be stored safely in large tanks before it will be transferred to a permanent destination, for example in underground facilities.
Paul Kanters, managing director of Vopak Terminals Australia sai,; “For nearly 20 years, Vopak has been contributing to the energy security and economic development in East Arm near Darwin city.
“This project not only signifies our ongoing commitment to growth but also contributes to playing a role in decarbonisation ambitions for both the Northern Territory and Australia.
“This development of CO2 infrastructure is fully in line with Vopak’s global strategy to develop infrastructure solutions to accelerate the energy transition.”
