August 05, 2024 [Royal Vopak]- On 31 July 2024, the Northern Territory Government and Vopak signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU), to develop a common-user infrastructure including a CO2 import terminal in the Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct – Northern Territory, Australia.

The MoU frames how the government and Vopak will cooperate to progress the development of common user CO2 import, storage and handling infrastructure in Darwin.

“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. CCUS capability is a core component of the circular economy design of this Precinct. 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,” said Eva Lawler, Chief Minister of The Northern Territory.

“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. Together with the Northern Territory Government, we look forward to playing a key role in Australia’s transition to net zero. This development of CO2 infrastructure is fully in line with Vopak’s global strategy to develop infrastructure solutions to accelerate the energy transition,” said Paul Kanters, Managing Director, Vopak Terminals Australia.

Common user CO2 facility

The CO2 import, storage and handling infrastructure will be designed to manage the import, storage and distribution of carbon dioxide in an efficient and accessible way. The facility will be shared infrastructure that can be used by various companies to help manage CO2 emissions. The imported CO2 can come from different sources such as industrial plants that capture CO2 to prevent it from being released to the atmosphere. Also CO2 from neighbouring countries can be handled. 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 CCS, or followed by recycling the CO2 for utilization (CCUS).