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Curtin researchers, led by experts from the School of Earth and Planetary Sciences, will leverage new fibre optic sensor technology to observe the behaviour of the injected gas during the next phase of the Otway Project. These cutting-edge sensors represent a significant advancement in monitoring capabilities, offering precise and long-term insights into the movement of CO2 beneath the Earth’s surface. The new tools are particularly adept at detecting even small-scale gas leaks that may go unnoticed with traditional monitoring systems.
The deployment of fibre optic sensing technology is key to ensuring the long-term safety of carbon storage operations. The sensors, which have only recently become available, can be left undisturbed for extended periods, providing continuous data on CO2 movement. This allows researchers to monitor the CO2 plume and ensure that it remains in the designated storage areas, reducing the risk of unintended gas migration.
Professor Roman Pevzner, who is leading the project, emphasised the critical role carbon capture and storage will play in the fight against climate change. He pointed out that while CCS offers a promising solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions, it is essential to ensure the process is both safe and effective. If CO2 is injected into the ground, it must be monitored, and using geophysics and fibre optic sensing allows researchers to do this effectively. This approach, he noted, enhances the ability to detect leaks that might otherwise go unnoticed.
The research at Curtin builds on the university’s long-standing involvement in the carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiative, which has served as a testing ground for carbon capture and storage technologies since its inception. The current phase of the project is backed by an AU$ 2.4 million collaboration agreement, supported by an array of industrial and governmental stakeholders. This funding is part of a larger AU$50 million initiative, backed by major energy firms and governments from Australia, Japan, and Korea.
In addition to the environmental and climate benefits, the use of fibre optic sensors offers several advantages for the future of CCS technology. The John Curtin Distinguished Professor, Director of Curtin’s Centre for Exploration Geophysics, highlighted the novelty of this technology, noting that it was not available just a few years ago. The sensors’ ability to remain in place for long-term monitoring makes them ideal for ongoing, unattended observation of underground CO2 storage sites.
The partnership aligns with the broader objectives of Australia’s recently released National Science and Research Priorities, which emphasise the importance of protecting and restoring the environment. Curtin University’s ongoing work with carbon capture technology serves as a key example of its commitment to addressing critical global challenges.
The Curtin’s Deputy Vice-Chancellor of Research praised the university’s continued involvement in CCS research. She underscored that Curtin is contributing significantly to solving pressing environmental issues through applied research.
As the shift to renewable energy progresses slowly, accelerating carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects is essential. The partnership between Curtin University and the CCS research community represents a key step toward significant reductions in global carbon emissions. By utilising fibre optic sensors and seismic monitoring, the project aims to deliver vital data to enhance carbon storage technology and its role in combating climate change.
