Australia clears Bonaparte offshore aquifer for CCS development

Australia has declared the Bonaparte offshore saline aquifer suitable for greenhouse gas storage, advancing a CCS project that could cut emissions from the offshore Ichthys LNG development by about 40%.
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Oct. 19, 2026
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Why this news matters:

  • Australia has declared its first offshore saline aquifer suitable for greenhouse gas injection and storage, marking a significant CCS milestone.

  • The project could reduce emissions from the offshore Ichthys LNG operation by approximately 40%.

  • The decision helps advance one of Australia's most prominent offshore CCS developments toward potential startup in the early 2030s.

Courtesy INPEX
Bonaparte CCS map

Bonaparte could provide long-term emissions storage capacity for one of Australia's largest LNG developments.

CCS involves three main stages: capturing CO2 at industrial sites, transporting it via pipelines or ships, and securely storing it underground.
March 20, 2026

Australia’s government has confirmed identification of a greenhouse-gas (GHG) storage formation for the Bonaparte Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project.

The offshore saline aquifer, 200 km from Darwin in the Northern Territory, is the first around the country to be declared suitable for GHG injection and storage, said project operator INPEX Browse E&P.

Other partners are TotalEnergies CCS Australia and Woodside Energy.

Last year, Bonaparte CCS became the first Australian offshore CCS project to receive Major Project Status from the Australian government.

Pre-FEED work began in April 2025, with the co-venturers targeting first CO2 injection in the early 2030s, subject to securing regulatory approvals and commercial agreements. 

The Ichthys joint venture would likely be the main user; INPEX estimated the project could cut CO2 emissions from Ichthys LNG by about 40%.

Work will continue, the company added, on technical, environmental, regulatory and commercial activities to progress potential development of the offshore storage site.

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About the Author

Jeremy Beckman
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Jeremy Beckman

Staff Writer / Editor, Europe

Jeremy Beckman has been Editor Europe, Offshore since 1992. Prior to joining Offshore he was a freelance journalist for eight years, working for a variety of electronics, computing and scientific journals in the UK. He regularly writes news columns on trends and events both in the NW Europe offshore region and globally. He also writes features on developments and technology in exploration and production.

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