A scoping study developed by the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (APPEA) has identified several possible net zero zones that could boost jobs in the mineral processing sector.
The nine identified zones are based around existing resources, industrial and manufacturing regions and could be established with shared infrastructure for natural gas, renewables, carbon capture utilisation and storage technology.
Possible zones include:
- Adelaide-Port Augusta
- Cooper Basin in South Australia
- Perth and the Pilbara
- Melbourne-Gippsland
- Sydney-Newcastle
- Brisbane and the Surat Basin
- Central Queensland
- Middle Arm Sustainable Development Precinct near Darwin.
APPEA is set to use the study as a foundation for discussions and engagement with key stakeholders across the regions.
“Net zero zones could help Australia accelerate to net zero and seize the economic opportunities of the energy transformation,” APPEA chief executive Samantha McCulloch said.
“In a way, it’s like carpooling carbon emissions by working together to help achieve net zero in the fastest and most cost-efficient way for the economy.
“The zones could become magnets for regional investment and provide a framework for different industries to work together to speed up the path to net zero; reduce costs; create and protect jobs in manufacturing, mineral processing and industry; leverage existing infrastructure; provide a focal point for streamlined government approvals; and provide the foundation for net zero energy and industrial exports and imports.
“Leveraging existing infrastructure can ensure regions that powered the Australian economy to where it is today won’t be left behind as we restructure our economy for the future.”
The full report can be found here.