Queensland government rejects Great Artesian Basin carbon capture and storage project

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🗞️ Driving the news: The Queensland government has rejected CTSCo's plan to inject over 300,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide into the Great Artesian Basin, citing potential irreversible changes to underground water supplies

🔭 The context: CTSCo, a Glencore subsidiary, intended to run a three-year trial injecting CO2 into the Precipice Sandstone aquifer near Moonie
• The project faced strong opposition from agriculture and environmental groups over concerns about water contamination and pressure changes

🌍 Why it matters for the planet: Protecting the Great Artesian Basin is crucial as it provides water to over 180,000 people in inland Australia
• The decision underscores the importance of safeguarding vital water resources from potentially harmful industrial activities

⏭️ What's next: The Queensland Farmers' Federation is calling for stronger regulations to prevent other companies from pursuing similar carbon capture and storage projects in the Great Artesian Basin, urging the Queensland government to lead in environmental protection

💬 One quote: "The assessment also found that CO2 injected into the aquifer could migrate, likely causing irreversible or long-term change to groundwater quality and environmental values if the project were to proceed," stated the Queensland environment department

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