The Angel Carbon Capture and Storage Joint Venture (Angel CCS JV), operated by Woodside Energy, has announced plans to progress development of a major carbon capture and storage (CCS) initiative in the North-West region of Western Australia.
The proposed Angel CCS Project would establish a carbon dioxide (CO₂) gathering network to collect emissions from onshore sources via new pipelines or through ship imports. Once captured, CO₂ would be routed to a central processing facility before being conveyed offshore through a subsea pipeline for injection into a geological formation beneath the seabed.
As part of preparatory work for the project, Woodside has lodged a proposal under the Offshore Petroleum and Greenhouse Gas Storage (Environment) Regulations 2023 to undertake geophysical and geotechnical surveys across the designated Operational Area. According to the company, the survey data will be critical in shaping the design of subsea infrastructure, including pipeline and umbilical routes, foundation sites for subsea structures, and anchoring locations for drilling units.
The surveys will also contribute to baseline studies, helping map existing infrastructure and supporting planning for future activities in the region.
Woodside said a fleet of vessels will be deployed for the survey work, including a multi-purpose vessel for geophysical surveys, remotely operated vehicle operations and light geotechnical tasks. A separate supply vessel fitted with a seafloor drilling unit will carry out geotechnical drilling. The company also noted that uncrewed surface vessels, controlled remotely, are expected to increasingly replace traditional vessels throughout the life of the survey program.
The surveys are expected to begin in early 2025, pending regulatory approvals, and will be carried out over several multi-week campaigns across the five-year permit period. Woodside estimates the total survey effort will amount to around 100 days, with vessels operating 24 hours a day. The timeline may vary depending on vessel availability, weather and other operational factors.