Decarbonising natural gas into blue hydrogen

The study will investigate how natural gas can be decarbonised at its source to make “zero-emissions” or “blue” hydrogen. The carbon dioxide produced as a result can then be safely and permanently captured and stored in the same geological formations that the gas came from.

The concept study is focused on the production of hydrogen from natural gas and includes preliminary technology selection with a focus on identifying suitable options that facilitate maximum CO2 capture on a lifecycle basis and thereby produce hydrogen with the lowest carbon footprint. The study will also consider integration into the current Cooper Basin operation, pathway to regulatory approvals and a cost estimate.

GHD is also undertaking the Front-End Engineering Design (FEED) of a pipeline that will transfer dense phase carbon dioxide from Santos’ Moomba Gas Plant for injection into depleted reservoirs for permanent storage. The project includes the infrastructure for distributing the carbon dioxide from the pipeline to the injection wells.

“Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is the fastest and most efficient route to a hydrogen economy, using less water, decarbonising natural gas at its source and eliminating Scope 3 emissions,” said Kevin Gallagher, Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer