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Drilling begins in search of information
Tuesday, 6 December 2011
Drilling of the ‘Harvey 1 Well’ in the South West will start in early in 2012, as part of research into Western Australia’s first on-shore Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) trial project. The well is located on farmland at Riverdale Road near Cookernup.
Department of Mines and Petroleum (DMP) Coordinator Carbon Strategy, Dominique Van Gent said site preparations for the research data well may start as early as next week.
“Core samples and data collected from the ‘Harvey 1 Well’ will map the underground geological formations down to the Lesueur Sandstone Formation,” Mr Van Gent said.
“Data from the three kilometre deep research well, will be used to determine if further exploration is needed in the Lesueur for permanent CO2 geosequestration.
“The process involves compressing the CO2 into a liquid and then pumping it deep underground, where it remains trapped within the sandstone – in a similar way to naturally occurring petroleum.”
Groundwork preparation is expected to start in December, with a drilling rig scheduled to arrive in January 2012 to complete the 40 day drilling program.
As well as acquiring CCS research, the Harvey 1 Well will also explore for underground heat for geothermal energy, as well as assess water and other resources.
The $8.5 million research project is being run by DMP’s Geological Survey Division, and is jointly funded by the State and Commonwealth government.
Analysis of the Harvey 1 Well data will be collaboratively completed by CSIRO, University of WA, Curtin University and the private sector. The research is being carried out on behalf of the South West Hub, an alliance formed by the State Government with regional industry participants.
The Lesueur Community Consultation Committee was provided with a detailed briefing and site inspection last week. Representatives from the Shires of Harvey and Waroona, along with neighbouring land owners also took part in the briefing and inspection, which ensures that local stakeholders are engaged throughout the South West Hub Project.
Further research into the potential for CO2 geosequestration in the Lesueur will be considered in 2012, which may include a 3D seismic survey of the area.
More information about the South West Hub Project can be found on the DMP website at: www.dmp.wa.gov.au/9514.aspx
