Importing, storing and handling carbon dioxide could bring 1,000 jobs to the Northern Territory’s Middle Arm industrial precinct in the next eight years.
The Northern Territory government announced this month that it had provided a “not-to-deal commitment” to Vopak and the Land Development Corporation giving the company certainty to accelerate development of the Middle Arm industrial precinct, with completion likely by the early 2030s.
The proposed 10-hectare development at Middle Arm is expected to generate around 1,000 jobs during construction and approximately 70 ongoing operational roles once complete.
Last year, the NT Government and Vopak signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to develop a common-user facility at Middle Arm, including a dedicated CO₂ import terminal.
The terminal will be designed to safely and efficiently manage the import, storage and distribution of liquid carbon dioxide, to support heavy industry in reducing emissions and underpinning major offshore carbon capture and storage (CCS) developments across Australia and the Asia Pacific region.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro says the Vopak commitment highlights the NT’s growing role in supporting innovative industries and creating tangible opportunities for Territorians.
“This is the kind of forward-looking investment that benefits communities across the Territory and positions us for long-term growth,” Finocchiaro says.
Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley says the project will bring long term benefits to the region.
“This facility is projected to play a crucial role in supporting the development of a globally significant carbon capture and storage industry right here in the Territory, while delivering significant economic benefits for our region and Australia, including an estimated 1,000 construction jobs,” Maley says.
“By granting an exclusive ‘not-to-deal’ commitment to Vopak, the NT Government is sending a clear signal to investors that the Territory is open for business and strongly supportive of the energy sector.”
Vopak Terminals Australia managing director Paul Kanters says the company’s long-term partnership with the Territory continues to evolve in line with global decarbonisation priorities.
“This commitment from the NT Government demonstrates shared confidence and partnership for the future development of a common-user CO₂ import, storage, and handling facility at Middle Arm,” Kanters says.
“As Vopak celebrates its 20th year of operation in Darwin, this project is a clear signal that we are committed not only to the security of today’s essential products but also to the economic growth and decarbonisation ambitions of the Territory and Australia.”
Once operational, the new facility will have an initial capacity to manage up to five million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of liquid carbon dioxide, with potential expansion to more than 15 MTPA, subject to design and engineering outcomes.