Woodside and Yara are collaborating on a project to bury carbon emissions from Yara’s Pilbara plant under the sea. Yara’s plant in Western Australia emits about 1.5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide annually, making it one of the biggest industrial carbon polluters in the region. The plant produces approximately 840,000 tonnes of ammonia per year, which is about 5% of global trade. Yara Pilbara’s general manager, Laurent Trost, believes that carbon capture and storage (CCS) could reduce emissions from the plant by 75%.
Ammonia production involves splitting gas into carbon dioxide and hydrogen, then combining hydrogen and nitrogen to create ammonia. Yara is also constructing a pilot plant to produce emissions-free, or green hydrogen, using renewable energy for ammonia production. Trost emphasized the importance of CCS in meeting the company’s emissions targets in the near future. Yara has set a goal of reducing global carbon pollution by 30% by 2030, compared to its 2019 performance. The company aims to take a phased approach to incorporating renewables into its operations.
Woodside and Yara recently announced their plans to investigate the feasibility of storing Yara’s emissions in a permit located 175 kilometers north of Dampier, which includes the depleted Angel gas field. Woodside, along with joint venture partners BP, Chevron, Shell, and MIMI, each with a 20% ownership stake, were awarded the 1175 square kilometer permit in 2022. This permit, upon further technical evaluation, has the potential to store up to five million tonnes of carbon pollution annually. The collaboration between Woodside and Yara represents a significant step towards reducing carbon emissions in the region.
The partnership between Woodside and Yara signifies a joint effort to address carbon pollution in the Pilbara region. By working together to explore the feasibility of storing emissions under the sea, the companies aim to make significant strides towards reducing the environmental impact of industrial activities. Yara’s commitment to reducing emissions through initiatives like CCS and green hydrogen production aligns with global efforts to combat climate change and transition towards a more sustainable future.
Woodside’s collaboration with Yara underscores the importance of industry partnerships in driving innovation and sustainability in the energy sector. By combining expertise and resources, the companies can accelerate the transition to cleaner energy solutions and contribute to a greener economy. The potential storage of Yara’s emissions in the depleted Angel gas field represents a promising opportunity to mitigate carbon pollution and demonstrate the viability of CCS technology in industrial applications. This collaboration sets a positive example for other companies looking to reduce their carbon footprint and embrace more environmentally conscious practices.
Overall, the partnership between Woodside and Yara marks a significant development in the quest to reduce carbon emissions from industrial operations. Through initiatives like CCS and green hydrogen production, the companies are demonstrating their commitment to sustainability and environmental stewardship. By exploring innovative solutions for carbon storage and emission reduction, Woodside and Yara are paving the way for a greener future in the energy sector. This collaborative effort serves as a model for other companies seeking to address their carbon footprint and contribute to global efforts to combat climate change.
