bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synergy between the clavanins as a weapon against multidrug-resistant Enterobacter cloacae
Authors: Naing Marvin D. , Juliano Samuel A. , Angeles-Boza Alfredo M.
Published: May 2024

AMPs produced by Styela clava were screened for their synergistic action against a multidrug resistant strain of E. cloacae. We found two synergistic pairs with the combination between Clav D and Clav S showing the strongest synergy. Both peptides can translocate inside the bacterial cell.
Synthesis of isothiocyanato alkyl sulfides from alkenes using KSCN and DMTSM
Authors: Jiang Shixuan , Zhuang Daijiao , Liu Peihua , Xu Qiyang , Luo Xiaofeng , Wang Tianqiang , Zhang Chengcheng , Yan Rulong
Published: May 2024

A metal-free method to synthesize diversely substituted isothiocyanato alkyl sulfides with KSCN and DMTSM has been developed through the formation of C–NCS and C–S bonds.
Asymmetric magnesium catalysis for important chiral scaffold synthesis
Authors: Wang Linqing , Lv Jiaming , Zhang Yongshuo , Yang Dongxu
Published: May 2024

A review is presented of magnesium catalysis for the synthesis of important chiral scaffolds. Several important chiral motifs that are present in classic ligands or natural products synthesized by Mg(ii) catalytic methods are briefly discussed.
Stability study of a superbase-derived ionic liquid [mTBNH][OAc] with enhanced cellulose dissolution ability: thermal and natural degradation
Authors: Melikhov Ivan , Sulaeva Irina , Barbini Stefano , Bacher Markus , Sriranganadane Dev , Kilpeläinen Ilkka , Rosenau Thomas , Potthast Antje
Published: May 2024

The novel guanidine-based ionic liquid [mTBNH][OAc], which is suitable for an environmentally friendly lyocell-like spinning process, exhibits both high natural and thermal stability, superior to that of IONCELL ILs.
Recyclable in-mold and printed electronics with polymer separation layers
Authors: Brasse Yannic , Laguna Moreno Mariano , Blum Simon , Horter Tim , Janek Florian , Gläser Kerstin , Emmerechts Carl , Clanet Jean-Michel , Verhaert Michèle , Grymonprez Benoît , Kraus Tobias
Published: May 2024

Polymer separation layers facilitate the disassembly and recycling of composites made from printed electronics.
JWST/CEERS sheds light on dusty star-forming galaxies: Forming bulges, lopsidedness, and outside-in quenching at cosmic noon
Authors: Le Bail Aurélien , Daddi Emanuele , Elbaz David , Dickinson Mark , Giavalisco Mauro , Magnelli Benjamin , Gómez-Guijarro Carlos , Kalita Boris S. , Koekemoer Anton M. , Holwerda Benne W. , Bournaud Frédéric , de la Vega Alexander , Calabrò Antonello , Dekel Avishai , Cheng Yingjie , Bisigello Laura , Franco Maximilien , Costantin Luca , Lucas Ray A. , Pérez-González Pablo G. , Lu Shiying , Wilkins Stephen M. , Arrabal Haro Pablo , Bagley Micaela B. , Finkelstein Steven L. , Kartaltepe Jeyhan S. , Papovich Casey , Pirzkal Nor , Yung L. Y. Aaron
Published: May 2024

Context. We investigate the morphology and resolved physical properties of a sample of 22 IR-selected dusty star-forming galaxies at cosmic noon using the James Webb Space Telescope NIRCam images obtained in the EGS field for the CEERS survey. The exceptional resolution of the NIRCam images allowed us to spatially resolve these galaxies up to 4.4 μm and identify their bulge or core even when very extinguished by dust.

Aims. The goal of this study is to obtain a better understanding of the formation and evolution of FIR-bright galaxies by spatially resolving their properties using JWST in order to look through the dust and bridge the gap between the compact FIR sources and the larger optical star-forming galaxies.

Methods. Based on red-green-blue images from the F115W, F200W, and F444W filters, we divided each galaxy into several uniformly colored regions, fit their respective SEDs, and measured physical properties. After classifying each region as star forming or quiescent, we assigned galaxies to three classes depending on whether active star formation is located in the core, in the disk, or in both.

Results. (i) We find that the galaxies at a higher redshift tend to have a fragmented disk with a low core mass fraction. They are at an early stage of bulge formation. When moving toward a lower redshift, the core mass fraction increases, and the bulge growth is associated with a stabilization of the disk, which translates into less patches and clumps. The NIRCam data clearly point toward bulge formation in preexisting disks. (ii) Lopsidedness is a very common feature of DSFGs. It has been wrongly overlooked for a long time and could have a major impact on the evolution of DSFGs. (iii) Twenty-three percent of the galaxies have a star-forming core embedded in a quiescent disk. They seem to be undergoing outside-in quenching, often facilitated by their strong lopsidedness inducing instabilities. (iv) We show that half of our galaxies with star formation concentrated in their core are good sub-millimeter galaxy near-IR counterpart candidates, demonstrating that compact SMGs are usually surrounded by a larger, less obscured disk. (v) Finally, we found surprising evidence for clump-like substructures being quiescent or residing in quiescent regions.

Conclusions. This work demonstrates the major impact JWST/NIRCam has on understanding the complexity of the evolution of distant massive galaxies regarding bulge formation and quenching mechanisms.
Beyond the surface: Hydrodynamical N-body simulations of the interacting dwarf galaxies NGC 5238 and UGC 8760
Authors: Pascale R. , Annibali F. , Tosi M. , Nipoti C. , Marinacci F. , Bellazzini M. , Cannon J. M. , Schisgal L. , Sacchi E. , Calura F.
Published: May 2024

From deep imaging data obtained with the Large Binocular Telescope as part of the Smallest Scale of Hierarchy Survey (SSH), we have discovered low-surface brightness tidal features around NGC 5238 and UGC 8760, two nearby and relatively isolated dwarf galaxies with stellar masses of approximately 108 M⊙ and 2 × 107 M⊙, respectively. In this study, we present detailed hydrodynamical N-body simulations that explain the observed faint substructures as the outcome of interactions between the dwarf galaxies and smaller satellite systems. We show that the asymmetric stellar distribution of NGC 5238 and the low-luminosity substructures observed to the northeast of UGC 8760 can be well attributed to recent interactions with smaller galaxies, each with a stellar mass roughly a few 105 M⊙, 50 times less massive than their respective hosts. In the simulations, these satellites have stellar and dark-matter masses consistent with the ones predicted by ΛCDM cosmology and share properties similar to those of local dwarf galaxies with similar stellar masses. The satellite-to-main galaxy mass ratio is approximately 1:10 in both cases. This satellite population aligns closely with predictions from cosmological simulations in terms of the number and mass relative to the host galaxy mass.
Three short-period Earth-sized planets around M dwarfs discovered by TESS: TOI-5720 b, TOI-6008 b, and TOI-6086 b
Authors: Barkaoui K. , Schwarz R. P. , Narita N. , Mistry P. , Magliano C. , Hirano T. , Maity M. , Burgasser A. J. , Rackham B. V. , Murgas F. , Pozuelos F. J. , Stassun K. G. , Everett M. E. , Ciardi D. R. , Lamman C. , Pass E. K. , Bieryla A. , Aganze C. , Esparza-Borges E. , Collins K. A. , Covone G. , de Leon J. , Dévora-Pajares M. , de Wit J. , Fukuda Izuru , Fukui A. , Gerasimov R. , Gillon M. , Hayashi Y. , Howell S. B. , Ikoma M. , Ikuta K. , Jenkins J. M. , Karpoor P. R. , Kawai Y. , Kimura T. , Kotani T. , Latham D. W. , Mori M. , Pallé E. , Parviainen H. , Patel Y. G. , Ricker G. , Relles H. M. , Shporer A. , Seager S. , Softich E. , Srdoc G. , Tamura M. , Theissen C. A. , Twicken J. D. , Vanderspek R. , Watanabe N. , Watkins C. N. , Winn J. N. , Wohler B.
Published: May 2024

One of the main goals of the NASA Transiting Exoplanet Survey Satellite (TESS) mission is the discovery of Earth-like planets around nearby M-dwarf stars. We present the discovery and validation of three new short-period Earth-sized planets orbiting nearby M dwarfs: TOI-5720 b, TOI-6008 b, and TOI-6086 b. We combined TESS data, ground-based multicolor light curves, ground-based optical and near-infrared spectroscopy, and Subaru/IRD radial velocity data to validate the planetary candidates and constrain the physical parameters of the systems. In addition, we used archival images, high-resolution imaging, and statistical validation techniques to support the planetary validation. TOI-5720 b is an Earth-sized planet with a radius of Rp = 1.09 ± 0.07 R⊕. It orbits a nearby (36 pc) M 2.5 host with an orbital period of P = 1.4344555 ± 0.0000036 days. It has an equilibrium temperature of Teq = 708 ± 19 K (assuming a null albedo) and an incident flux of Sp = 41.7 ± 4.5 S⊕. TOI-6008 b is a short-period planet of P = 0.8574347 ± 0.0000424 day. It has a radius of Rp = 1.03 ± 0.05 R⊕, an equilibrium temperature of Teq = 707 ± 19 K, and an incident flux of Sp = 41.5 ± 4.5 S⊕. The host star (TOI-6008) is a nearby (23 pc) M 5 with an effective temperature of Teff = 3075 ± 75 K. Based on the radial velocity measurements collected with Subaru/IRD, we set a 3σ upper limit of Mp < 4 M⊕, thus ruling out a star or brown dwarf as the transiting companion. TOI-6086 b orbits its nearby (32 pc) M 3 host star (Teff = 3200 ± 75 K) every 1.3888725 ± 0.0000827 days and has a radius of Rp = 1.18 ± 0.07 R⊕, an equilibrium temperature of Teq = 634 ± 16 K, and an incident flux of Sp = 26.8 ± 2.7 S⊕. Additional high-precision radial velocity measurements are needed to derive the planetary masses and bulk densities and to search for additional planets in the systems. Moreover, short-period Earth-sized planets orbiting around nearby M dwarfs are suitable targets for an atmospheric characterization with the James Webb Space Telescope through transmission and emission spectroscopy and phase-curve photometry.
A high-precision 3D reconstruction method for the internal structure of small Solar System bodies
Authors: Hu Chaoran , Wei Mingchuan , Feng Tianyu , Zhang Jiyao , Cao Xibin
Published: May 2024

Context. Small Solar System bodies (SSSBs) hold crucial information for understanding the formation and evolution of the Solar System. However, due to their considerable distance, small size, fast rotation, and a lack of prior information, the detection of these celestial bodies, especially their internal structures, faces numerous challenges.

Aims. We explore whether the 3D structure of SSSBs can be reconstructed using monostatic radar. We investigated a more convenient observation mode and addressed the issue of the poor imaging quality of internal structures within existing imaging algorithms.

Methods. Our study focused on a high-precision 3D imaging method for the internal structure of SSSBs based on radar signals. First, we considered a flyby observation mode that uses the spinning characteristics of the target for global observations, and we set up a scaled-down experimental system in the laboratory to simulate this observation mode. Next, we constructed a 3D printed physical surface model based on the shape of the asteroid 162173 Ryugu. We filled it with sand and inserted a small bottle containing different materials separately to construct two distinct layered analogs. The analogs were employed in laboratory measurements to acquire radar echoes, which were then inverted using both a classic back-projection (BP) algorithm and a modified multilayer back-projection (MLBP) method.

Results. The results shown that the 3D surface structure of the target can be reconstructed well through the BP and MLBP algorithms. The MLBP algorithm exhibits a higher reconstruction accuracy for internal structures. Moreover, compared to the BP method, the MLBP method is less sensitive to the quality of echo signals, resulting in a relatively stable imaging performance.

Conclusions. Our findings reveal that observing and reconstructing the high-precision structure of SSSBs is feasible through our proposed method. The observation mode, experimental setup, and analog modeling approach are widely applicable and can be applied in future research on the detection of SSSBs with more diverse and complex structures.
Photon-pair generation using inverse-designed thin-film lithium niobate mode converters
Authors: Kwon Kiwon , Heo Hyungjun , Lee Dongjin , Kim Hyeongpin , Jang Hyeong-Soon , Shin Woncheol , Lim Hyang-Tag , Kim Yong-Su , Han Sang-Wook , Kim Sangin , Shin Heedeuk , Kwon Hyounghan , Jung Hojoong
Published: May 2024

Spontaneous parametric down-conversion (SPDC) has become a key method for generating entangled photon pairs. Periodically poled thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) waveguides induce strong SPDC but require complex fabrication processes. In this work, we experimentally demonstrate efficient SPDC and second harmonic generation using modal phase matching methods. This is achieved with inverse-designed optical mode converters and low-loss optical waveguides in a single nanofabrication process. Inverse design methods provide enhanced functionalities and compact footprints for the converter. Despite the extensive achievements in inverse-designed photonic integrated circuits, the potential of inverse-designed TFLN quantum photonic devices has been seldom explored. The device shows an on-chip conversion efficiency of 3.95% W−1 cm−2 in second harmonic generation measurements and a coincidence count rate up to 21.2 kHz in SPDC experiments. This work highlights the potential of the inverse-designed TFLN photonic devices and paves the way for their applications in on-chip nonlinear or quantum optics.
Megawatts to methane – a deep drop in emissions reduction transition for existing regional gas-based ammonia plants
Authors: De Boer Jacob
Published: May 2024

Synthetic ammonia production sustains food production for more than half of the world’s population. Many regional ammonia plants convert all ammonia to ammonium nitrate fertiliser. With these, all carbon in the feed ends up as carbon dioxide (CO2), with around 2 tonnes of CO2 released per tonne of ammonia produced using natural gas. Conveniently, ammonia plants produce a substantial pre-concentrated CO2 stream. Ammonia plants are high-capex, long-life assets that operate for 40+ years. With the energy transition, replacing such assets is very high cost and will dramatically impact the cost of food production. Further, green energy is highly variable, leading to the need for additional supply side assets to stabilise energy supply. This paper outlines a transition approach for a 30% CO2 reduction (also a 43% case) to extend the useful life of these assets while re-using much of the plant, with the ability to turn on/off the green energy with minimal disruption for stable operation. The example plant is based on a typical 750 tpd ammonia gas Steam Methane Reforming (SMR) plant. The approach considers adding and integrating green power and biogas into this plant to reduce net reportable CO2 emissions. Methanation of CO2 has been demonstrated in several projects and is considered key in developing a transition pathway for an existing gas-based plant, extending its operational life and flexibility to operate with varying degrees of variable green energy supply. Further, whilst Synthetic Natural Gas (SNG) is used in this case, the approach can be beneficially applied with methanol and other Power-to-X opportunities.
Asset management and risk based process safety management approaches to the energy trilemma
Authors: Vandenberg Erik
Published: May 2024

The global energy landscape is transforming towards a carbon-neutral future, necessitating strategic and systematic approaches to address the energy trilemma of security, affordability, and sustainability. Two critical elements of this transformation include the large-scale global adoption of hydrogen for energy use and carbon capture, usage, and storage (CCUS), including carbon sequestration. These efforts require effective management from a lifecycle perspective, considering net emissions and economics, including the life-cycle cost of energy systems, and a risk based process safety (RBPS) management approach that ensures public safety. Embracing asset management principles, which encompass lifecycle management, risk management, and performance optimisation, will be key in facilitating this transition. By analysing energy generation, demand patterns, and storage capacity, optimising the use of renewable energy, systematically, and dynamically monitoring asset performance, and process safety assurance metrics, operators can optimise resource allocation, reduce costs, and improve sustainability and public safety. Furthermore, adopting good risk engineering practices, including RBPS management, will manage risks to as low as reasonably practicable, ensuring a tolerable residual public risk level. This article highlights the correlation between the energy trilemma and asset management practices and suggests practical strategies to manage these major changes by implementing principles of asset management and RBPSmanagement, including a supporting case study.
Development of long-distance and large-scale carbon capture and storage (CCS) value chain using liquefied CO2 ship transportation
Authors: Cha Daein
Published: May 2024

Carbon capture and storage (CCS) is central to clean energy transition. Globally, potential aggregated carbon dioxide (CO2) storage resource capacity is ~13,000 billion tonnes. Assuming global greenhouse gas emissions of 51 billion tonnes per annum, CO2 storage capacity equates to 250 years of global emissions reduction. While there is significant momentum to deploy CCS technology for meeting Paris Agreement targets, the key challenge for offering CCS to all industrial sectors is that many major CO2 emission sources are located hundreds of kilometres away from geological storage sites. To address this key challenge, there is a need to develop a long-distance and large-scale CCS value chain that utilises liquefied CO2 (LCO2) ship transportation. This paper discusses key technical, commercial, and regulatory considerations that must be addressed in parallel for developing such a CCS value chain. More specifically, it will cover the following: (1) technical – CO2 liquefaction condition, CO2 supply specification and LCO2 ship parcel size; (2) commercial – business model (ownership of CO2 retained by emitters or transferred to CCS project proponent), CO2 supply or CCS facility lease terms and conditions; and (3) regulatory – domestic versus transboundary projects and associated needs for policy and legislative underpinning.
Development of a novel seismic acquisition system based on fully autonomous ocean bottom nodes
Authors: Mancini Fabio , Hollings Ben , Manning Ted , Debens Henry
Published: May 2024

It is now established that ocean bottom node (OBN) surveys provide superior seismic data compared to traditional towed streamers, but deployment of the nodes is time-consuming and expensive. As an alternative, we are developing a novel seismic acquisition system that utilises a fleet of fully autonomous underwater vehicles (AUVs) as OBNs. The objective is to eliminate the reliance on remotely operated vehicles (ROVs) or ropes for deployment, making ocean bottom seismic acquisition significantly more efficient and cost-effective. To succeed, several criteria need to be met, including recording of good geophysical data, system affordability, low power consumption, units’ ability to act autonomously (e.g. steer, land, listen, re-position, surface) and to respond to remote commands (e.g. cease activity, return), a failure recovery protocol, automated deployment and retrieval, and system-wide communications. The ability to record good seismic data was assessed in October 2022, when we performed active-source seismic field trials in the UK. Five AUVs were deployed adjacent to commercial nodes (all units carried identical geophysical payloads) and a series of 2D lines were acquired at varying orientations. Analysis of the data confirmed that our units achieved satisfactory coupling with the seabed. The unit’s in-water capabilities were assessed during multiple field trials in 2022 and 2023, offshore UK and Australia. Tests consisted of simulating seismic acquisition cycle (flights, landings, take-offs and repositioning) where it was verified that missions were reliably executed, including landing within 10 m from pre-planned locations and recording good quality passive seismic data.
From port to disposal: a strategic view to Australia’s O&G decommissioning success across the value chain
Authors: Wild Erin , Warrier Anjana
Published: May 2024

Australia’s decommissioning portfolio is forecasted to increase substantially over the next 50 years amounting to US$40.5 billion nationally, with 90% of decommissioning by 2060. High costs, the complexity of our infrastructure geography, ensuring circular economy and carbon efficient principles, will be challenges the industry will need to collaborate through. But Australia has a skilled workforce, a strong sustainability commitment, a mindset of partnership and collaboration as well as a tradition for innovation. These strategic advantages will enable the establishment of new industries early to be a regional player in decommissioning. As the assets are decommissioned offshore, travel to the beach, transported to identified waste providers and go through final end-of-life cycle management including recycling and repurposing, strategic linkages of the value chain will be key for a successful decommissioning industry set up. Understanding the oil and gas (O&G) decommissioning industry’s needs, opportunities and challenges early will strategically enable Australia to pave the way for building decommissioning expertise, critical infrastructure, and sustainable practices. This includes understanding where ports should intersect with waste storage, processing, recycling and disposal capabilities, as we have an opportunity to think differently about turning waste into new resources. And most importantly, how do we ensure availability of a skilled workforce in an already resource-crunched market? As we analyse the port to disposal value chain, it is important to overlay the carbon footprint, regulation, and socio-economic lenses on the journey to support the industry and to ensure long-term viability to minimise conflict with other competing industries or activities.
Transforming offshore field developments with Pivotree™: an innovative technology solution for fast, cost effective, and low footprint projects
Authors: Merrick Christopher
Published: May 2024

Pivotree™ represents a technology paradigm shift in offshore oil field development, reducing cost and providing a route to market for the operators of stranded resources. Conventional standalone projects, characterised by substantial upfront capital expenditures with complex equipment and high installation costs, are juxtaposed against the Pivotree™ solution, with a markedly reduced capital outlay that retains all the requisite safety and operational features associated with larger systems. A comparative study of activities, materials, and risks concomitant with different field development concepts are analysed for a range of reservoir characteristics, highlighting the financial advantages of the Pivotree™ technology using Multiple-Criteria Decision Analysis (MCDA). MCDA allows a systematic assessment and comparison of a broad spectrum of qualitative factors including safety, environmental impact, operability, maintainability, time to deploy, water depth, independence, and abandonment burden and development of a set of economic scenarios with the costs of different development concepts compared over the lifecycle phases from Drilling to Abandonment, and the Net Present Value (NPV) and Internal Rate of Return (IRR) calculated against a range of oil prices, and operating expenditures. A case study ‘Concept Select’ activity is performed using MCDA to evaluate the range of development options against the listed set of project and technology attributes. A set of weightings is provided for the purpose of analysis by the author equating to the corporate values and strategy of a fictional energy company. The MCDA analysis demonstrates that the Pivotree™ technology can unlock production from the global store of stranded offshore discovered resources.
Comparative analysis of hydrogen production pathways for emethanol synthesis to decarbonise industry
Authors: Daswani Bhrat Bobby , Campbell Andrew P.
Published: May 2024

Methane pyrolysis and water electrolysis offer alternative hydrogen pathways to methane reforming that utilise renewable power and avoid generating carbon dioxide (CO2). On a scope 1 and 2 basis, both technologies have the potential to generate carbon neutral emethanol fuel when combined with biogenic CO2. However, pyrolysis requires significantly less energy and has a lower capital expenditure (CAPEX). Being a more nascent technology, it also has upside potential for cost reductions and valorisation of the solid carbon by-product can yield lower hydrogen costs than the incumbent technology, however, limited demand from existing markets is a potential constraint. Industry decarbonisation is constrained due to a lack of available renewables and hydrogen infrastructure. Pyrolysis offers a potential cost-effective use of the available renewable assets in the early stages while the carbon by-product is not a constraint and until sufficient renewable infrastructure is in place to support water electrolysis at a cost-effective scale.
Goldilocks dilemma: lower cost, more supply, reduced emissions, and reliable trading partner. What is the outlook for Australia getting the gas balance just right?
Authors: Paull Matt
Published: May 2024

Australia’s east and west coast domestic gas markets are physically and geographically separated. Each Australian gas market has followed a different trajectory, with the west being defined by large liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects, a relatively small domestic market, and a long-standing domestic gas reservation that historically ensured the domestic market was oversupplied and prices remained low. The east coast market instead relied for decades on supply from the Cooper and Gippsland basins which only supplied the domestic market, with both now in decline. The establishment of LNG export capacity in Queensland connected the east coast market to international markets for the first time and was followed by bans and moratoriums on gas development in some jurisdictions. Notwithstanding their very different history, both markets now face potential domestic supply shortages within a decade, and both have experienced government intervention in the past 12 months. Government’s stated aims are to lower prices, ensure ongoing investment in supply, reduce emissions, and continue LNG exports. This paper examines forecast supply and demand, the impact of government intervention, net zero policies and the importance of maintaining Australia’s export reputation as a reliable supplier. Getting this balance just right will require a challenging ‘Goldilocks moment’, with serious consequences if we get it wrong.
A satellite constellation dedicated to frequently monitor methane emissions from oil and gas facilities around the world
Authors: Odunsi Lola
Published: May 2024

This paper discusses GHGSat’s pioneering operating satellites dedicated to high-resolution measurements of methane emissions. We demonstrate their role as an integral part of an emissions intensity improvement strategy. The instrument on board each satellite uses spectroscopy principles to detect and quantify methane emissions, exhibiting a spatial resolution of less than 30 m. A discussion on how this constellation can be used as a key system in the mitigation of emissions is presented. Results reflect observations taken with GHGSat’s satellites. Recent examples of oil and gas emitting facilities around the world are shown followed by how this constellation can serve three objectives: (1) emissions mitigation; (2) regulatory compliance; and (3) a system to achieve voluntary efforts such as OGMP 2.0. The intention is to show that there isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution, but that the use of a satellite constellation is a complimentary and efficient way of monitoring for large leaks with increased frequency. This paper also reviews GHGSat’s top-down approach through its aircraft sensor technology as another solution for monitoring smaller leaks. Mitigation success stories are discussed providing opportunities for achievement of regulatory certifications in regions like the United States, Australia and Iraq. The resulting datasets are integrated into GHGSat’s ESRI ArcGIS-based portal, SPECTRA, to facilitate the interpretation of its high-resolution measurements, giving further insights through the available analytics layers. This platform provides situational awareness of methane emissions to operators, creating opportunities for mitigation.
From carrot to stick – the impact of a changing landscape of CCS policy and funding in Australia since 1999
Authors: Johnstone Rosie
Published: May 2024

Since 1999 successive Australian Commonwealth governments have provided direct funding for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) projects, notably the carbon capture and storage (CCS) Flagships Fund (Rudd government, 2009). The most recent CCUS Hubs and Technologies Fund (Morrison government, 2022) was later revoked (Albanese government, 2022) marking a shift from direct funding (‘carrot’) to emission reduction through a strengthening of the Safeguard Mechanism, the introduction of a 43% emissions reduction target by 2030, and the establishment of the Net Zero Authority (‘stick’). Reports such as the ‘Net Zero Mobilisation Report’, have delineated the need for, and size of, the role of CCUS in Australia, especially for hard-to-abate sectors and the report states ‘private investment in a CCUS industry requires targeted government support’ i.e. funding. As government focus moves from direct funding support for CCS to CCU and direct air capture (DAC), the development of underground geological storage of carbon dioxide will be largely left to fossil fuel emitters, especially large liquefied natural gas (LNG) companies, reflected in current Western Australian government policy (Cook government, 2023) to develop CCS strategy as part of the LNG Jobs Taskforce. The only current exception is CarbonNet, operated by the Victorian government and one of the early CCS Flagship funded projects.
Variation of vertical stress in the McArthur and Beetaloo basins
Authors: Ranjbarkarami Rasoul , Rajabi Mojtaba , Tavoosiiraj Parisa
Published: May 2024

The McArthur and Beetaloo basins have been the focus of unconventional hydrocarbon exploration, specifically targeting shale gas and tight gas resources. Vertical stress (SV), which is one of the three principal stresses, is a critical parameter in geomechanical analysis of sedimentary basins and has implications in fracture gradient calculation, pore pressure prediction, assessing the present-day stress regime, and hydraulic fracturing design. In addition, variations in vertical stresses can yield additional insights into the tectonic history of an area. In this study, we examine the variability of vertical stress magnitude and vertical stress gradients by employing a systematic analysis of density log and check-shot velocity data obtained from 31 wells located within the McArthur and Beetaloo basins. Our analysis revealed that vertical stress gradients range from 23 to 27 MPa/km (equivalent to ~1.0–1.2 psi/ft), with an average gradient of 25 MPa/km ± 1.0 (1.1 psi/ft). This variability in SV gradients underscores the inadequacy of the commonly assumed 1.0 psi/ft approximation for geomechanical analyses within these basins. The origins of such diverse SV gradients can be attributed to several factors; however, the likely cause of the SV gradient within this region is the presence, thickness, and depth of the shallow high-density volcanic rocks and a complex history of uplift and erosion.
Thermochronological constraints on the tectonic history of the Polda Basin
Authors: Holford Simon , Duddy Ian , Green Paul , Hillis Richard , Stoker Martyn
Published: May 2024

The Polda Basin is a narrow, east–west striking intracontinental basin that extends ~400 km from the onshore Eyre Peninsula in South Australia to the offshore Great Australian Bight and contains up to 5 km of strata, with a thick sequence of Neoproterozoic rocks overlain by unconformably-bound sequences of Carboniferous-Permian, Jurassic and Cenozoic strata. Though the Polda Basin has witnessed limited exploration for hydrocarbons, it is attracting renewed interest due to the potential for underground hydrogen storage in Neoproterozoic halites, whilst surrounding regions of the Gawler Craton are considered prospective for natural hydrogen. To date however, knowledge of the tectonic history of the Polda Basin, which is critical to assessing its potential role in the energy transition, is limited. Here we present results from a regional apatite fission track analysis study of the Eyre Peninsula, focussing on data from the onshore Kilroo-1A borehole, which provide insights into the burial and exhumation history of the Polda Basin. Results indicate that the preserved Upper Jurassic sequence was thicker prior to Late Cretaceous exhumation, which may have supplied sediment to the adjacent Ceduna Sub-basin. Our results highlight a complex history of Phanerozoic vertical motions in this region, which have implications for both resource and energy storage potential.
Challenges and opportunities in Australian greenhouse gas storage legislation: insights from the CarbonNet project
Authors: Mendes Da Costa Victoria , Fitzgerald Victoria
Published: May 2024

Co-funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments, the CarbonNet Project (CarbonNet) was established in 2009 to enable commercial deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS). The duration and first-of-a-kind nature of the project has also provided an opportunity to test the Australian legislative greenhouse gas (GHG) framework. Although the Commonwealth legislative regime has comprehensive GHG legislation in place, one of the recognised barriers to geological storage in Australia is permitting and regulatory complexity. CarbonNet’s practical application of the legislation has emphasised that regulatory maturity will only be achieved once a number of projects have been permitted through the full project lifecycle. While the project has achieved many regulatory firsts, there have been several policy and regulatory challenges. Successes have come via legislative reform, scientific investigation and collaboration, and stakeholder engagement and communication. This paper provides insights into CarbonNet’s regulatory journey and key learnings in testing first-of-a-kind regulatory processes. It also explores opportunities for improvement in the GHG regulatory framework, while noting the progress of recent legislative reform and government collaboration. The paper concludes with a recognition of the need for the CCS regulatory framework to be straightforward, fit-for-purpose, proportionate, risk-based, and not overly prescriptive or complex. CCS projects may span decades and require significant upfront investment from multiple companies or consortia. Proponents and investors require confidence in the regulatory framework underpinning a project before making these large commitments. Accordingly, there is a key role for both Australian and State governments in providing the enabling legislative and regulatory framework for CCS projects.
Securing the Australian CCS project rollout by improving aspects of the GHG storage legislation: a discussion paper
Authors: O’Brien Geoffrey , de Morton Simone , Bason David
Published: May 2024

The respective Federal petroleum and greenhouse-gas (GHG) storage legislation was examined in detail to understand the interactions between the technical requirements in the legislation, the overarching emissions-policy framework and the existing and likely future technical capabilities of the carbon capture and storage (CCS) industry. Key elements of the GHG legislation were then stress-tested using CCS project examples to determine applicability. The number of CCS projects required to meet the nation’s emission reduction targets over the next 5–25 years is high (probably between 20–40 projects of 4 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa)), but the existing 8–10 year approvals timeline provides only a maximum of 2.5 full project cycles to undertake 20–40 projects, a goal not considered possible without substantial regulatory reform. Opportunities for improvement should focus on facilitating a robust and rapid CCS project rollout and could include the following: changing the legislation to facilitate the accelerated utilisation of depleted petroleum fields to storage facilities, including allowing the progressive expansion of the awarded injection licence (IL); changing the concept of containment to emphasise carbon dioxide (CO2) plume management via assessing risk and potential impacts, not by artificial constraints into GHG permits and licences; including unitisation and combination pathways in the GHG legislation; ‘CO2 plume’ is not defined in legislation, even though the spatial location of a plume is central to numerous approvals, such as declaration of storage, demonstrating containment and all measurement, monitoring and verification (MMV) programs; developing a framework to manage future CCS project interactions at a basin scale, as is undertaken in groundwater management onshore.
Modelling CO2 storage in oil and gas reservoirs in the Gippsland Basin
Authors: Wang Jianlin , Gillam Dan , Das Soubhagya , Boyle Tom , Ryan Melanie
Published: May 2024

The Gippsland Basin has world class geology for carbon capture and storage (CCS) and a long history of oil and gas production. Depleted oil and gas fields within the Gippsland Basin that are candidates for carbon dioxide (CO2) storage are in close proximity to existing infrastructure that could be repurposed as part of a CCS project. Modelling of CO2 storage in the depleted Bream oil and gas reservoir is being progressed. Bream reservoir properties are very well understood due to extensive geological and geophysical data sets available from wells and seismic data. Additionally, the field has been through three key phases of development during its production history; oil production and gas re-injection in 1988, gas cap blowdown started in 2002, and seasonal gas storage and withdrawal started in 2012 through to field shut-in in 2020. This provides a wealth of dynamic data that is used to calibrate the reservoir models to improve our confidence in the CO2 plume prediction. However, there are also challenges in modelling CO2 storage in depleted fields. Unlike saline aquifers, CO2 can be injected into a three-phase depleted reservoir that contains residual oil and gas saturation. The key aspects of our workflow to evaluate the plume behaviour are presented in this paper.
Australia–Japan energy partnerships for regional security and decarbonisation
Authors: Koravos Celeste
Published: May 2024

Australia and Japan stand at a pivotal juncture in their energy futures, with shared imperatives of ensuring energy security, affordability, and sustainability. As key players in the global energy landscape, their collaboration holds the potential to shape the trajectory of the Indo-Pacific’s energy transition, as outlined in Japan’s ‘New Plan for a Free and Open Indo-Pacific’ (FOIP). A central aspect of this collaboration involves securing liquefied natural gas (LNG) supplies from Australia to Japan and the region while simultaneously decarbonising the supply chain through carbon capture and storage (CCS) and advancing hydrogen technologies. Both nations recognise the significance of natural gas in ensuring regional energy security and affordability. Japan, heavily reliant on energy imports, particularly LNG, is motivated by past crises and geopolitical tensions to diversify its energy sources. The partnership between Australia and Japan not only addresses Japan’s energy needs but also influences the power dynamics within the Indo-Pacific. Challenges such as regulatory uncertainties and policy shifts dampen confidence for Japanese investors in Australia’s energy sector. Despite this, CCS technology offers a promising pathway to reduce emissions from natural gas production, with infrastructure facilitating low-emission hydrogen production. Policy coherence and streamlined regulations are essential to fostering innovation and scaling up these technologies. Collaboration on CCS and hydrogen commercialisation presents opportunities for both nations to lead the energy transition. Japan’s ambitious plans to increase its domestic hydrogen supply highlight the potential for joint efforts.
Unpacking the decline: Australian E&P capital trends in a global context
Authors: Birda Krishan Pal , Ramesh Kaushal , Vahie Arsh
Published: May 2024

In 2015, ASX-listed exploration & production (E&P) companies raised almost A$12 billion in capital, marking a peak in their recent fundraising efforts. However, this has declined annually since, with only about A$1.2 billion raised in 2022, despite lower Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) interest rates compared to 2015. The investment ratio, measuring investments relative to cash from operations, plummeted from 187% in 2015 to 20% in 2022. Globally, public E&P players averaged 97% in 2015 and 31% in 2022. Going forward, we expect Australia’s investment ratio to average 31% between 2023 and 2025, compared to the global average of 49%. This paper explores Australian E&P capital expenditure trends against global patterns, attributing the decline to factors such as environmental and legal risks, limited access to capital, regulatory hurdles, and approval delays. For instance, offshore environment plan approvals now take over a year on average, compared to 4 months in 2017. Despite high oil and gas prices, spare infrastructure capacity, and domestic gas market shortfalls, investment activity in Australia wanes. Additionally, merger & acquisition (M&A) activity, often indicating industry interest, dropped by nearly half in Australia in 2022 compared to 2018. This paper examines why Australia lags in capital spend, citing environmental, regulatory, and approval challenges. While global trends show increased spending, Australia’s oil and gas sector faces headwinds in attracting investments and M&A activity.
Aligning stars: making LNG imports happen in Australia
Authors: Ramesh Kaushal , Birda Krishan Pal
Published: May 2024

We present the inputs and results of a discounted cash flow model which details the requirements for an import terminal to eventualise. The key requirement is high certainty cash flows from foundation users. This can be made possible through capacity booking which can be potentially underwritten by governments to ensure security of supply during peak winter months. The out-chartering of the floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU) to serve as a liquefied natural gas (LNG) carrier during the peak northern winter will provide an additional revenue source. We also analyse the legacy supply decline and various price setting mechanisms for the southern states which will soon turn net importers. We will describe the status of the four projects in the pipeline and identify milestones. We conclude that an import terminal provides an alternative proposition in the southern states considering the highly seasonal demand profile, the decline of Gippsland Basin production, and the relative inflexibility of coal seam gas. Further, FSRUs can be redeployed to other regions, which reduces stranded asset risk from pipeline expansions, given Australia’s net zero targets.
Decarbonising LNG value chain using carbon capture and storage: why, where, how much and what are the limitations?
Authors: Sergeeva Zlata , Ward Colin
Published: May 2024

As a result of global aspirations to achieve energy transition along with the desire to ensure energy security, energy exporters proposed a series of new ‘carbon-neutral’ products – liquefied natural gas (LNG) and oil. In 2019, a new market was officially born after the first-in-history shipment of carbon-neutral LNG cargo from Shell to Japanese Tokyo Gas. Until 2021, it grew rapidly, however in 2022, announcements about volumes delivered to the customers significantly dropped. In this paper, we will explore the reasons for this dynamic, review perspectives of the carbon-neutral fuels markets, and explore the potential steps that producers and consumers could undertake to achieve global climate targets. We specifically focus on the consequences of implementing carbon capture and storage (CCS) technologies. Based on the data on the world CCS facilities, provided by the International Energy Agency, we conduct preliminary analysis of the capital costs associated with the construction of carbon capture, utilisation, and storage facilities. After that, we apply the cost estimation method (class 5) based on the US Department of Energy Classification, to estimate the costs of using CCS for emissions management in different regions/countries. As a result, the study demonstrates that due to the various economic, geographical and infrastructural limitations, it is more feasible to implement CCS on the producer’s side than on the consumer’s side. We also show what level of CCS implementation within the LNG value chain is economically feasible for different market participants and what the costs are.
Leading transformations – a holistic approach to leadership development
Authors: Marshall Scott A. , Freedman Eva
Published: May 2024

So, what was Woodside’s challenge? How does an organisation lead through a business transformation, an industry transformation and a global energy transformation simultaneously? And what was Woodside’s answer? To redefine a whole of business approach to leadership and uplift leadership capabilities. The first step was to create a framework to revolutionise the concept of leadership and uplift leadership capability. Woodside wanted every employee to identify as a leader and lead, no matter what their role. In 2021, Woodside partnered and co-created a leadership development program with the Australian Graduate School of Management (AGSM) at UNSW. The program was designed for employees to uplift their leadership capability while empowering Woodsiders to be more deliberate in developing themselves and the organisation into the future. The commitment to date has seen thousands of employees undertake residential immersions and other learning experiences. Leadership and inclusive leadership capability have been uplifted and the framework has been leveraged as Woodside has successfully transformed operating models and completed a large merger. What was originally a stick drawing drafted on a napkin between two Woodside colleagues is now a conclusive framework known as Navigator. Since its inception in 2021 more than 2600 employees across all five countries have attended a Navigator immersion and more than 2500 Apply Learning experiences have been completed globally. Navigator has expanded its global reach across Woodside’s operations in Australia, China, the USA, Trinidad, and most recently in Dakar, Senegal.