As the world tries to build net-zero emission energy systems, this real-world energy supply reality needs to be confronted. Despite pledges and aspirations to replace hydrocarbons, their use is essential, ubiquitous and growing to meet the needs of expanding economies and populations.

This makes reducing emissions from the consumption of fossil fuels while maintaining access to them for energy security and affordability the pre-eminent global and local energy challenge we face.

CCS technologies offer promise as the answer to that challenge. Yet there is a growing investment gap, with current CCS investment a fraction of what is required to get any transition to net zero energy on track. Australia is a vital global player in the development of CCS technologies and solutions.