Inpex Corporation has confirmed it will resubmit the environmental impact plan for its large-scale offshore carbon capture and storage project off the northwest coast of Australia after regulators identified deficiencies in the initial submission.

The proposed scheme, linked to the Barossa gas development, is designed to inject captured carbon dioxide deep beneath the seabed as part of efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from hydrocarbon production and support broader decarbonisation goals.

The move follows feedback from the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority and other agencies, which requested greater detail on risk assessment, monitoring and protections for marine environments before granting approval.

Inpex has said it will work closely with regulators and stakeholders to address the issues raised, with the revised documentation expected to include enhanced modelling of potential impacts and plans for long-term environmental monitoring.

The offshore CCS component is considered one of the largest of its kind proposed in Australian waters, and proponents argue it could play a significant role in mitigating emissions from offshore operations and contribute to national climate objectives.

However, environmental groups and some fishing industry representatives have warned that offshore carbon storage presents ecological risks that must be carefully managed, including potential effects on seabed habitats and migratory species.

Australian authorities have increasingly scrutinised carbon capture and storage proposals as the country seeks to balance investment in climate mitigation technologies with protection of sensitive ecosystems.

The government has highlighted CCS as part of its energy transition strategy, while emphasising the need for robust regulation and scientific oversight.

Inpex’s revision of its environmental plan is expected to reflect these priorities as it seeks to advance a project seen by supporters as a keystone in the evolution of lower-emissions energy infrastructure in the region.

Final regulatory decisions on the revised plan will determine whether the offshore CCS facility can proceed and under what conditions, with approvals contingent on satisfactory demonstration of environmental safeguards and compliance with national petroleum and environmental law.

The outcome is likely to influence how future offshore carbon storage developments are assessed in Australia’s strategic and regulatory landscape.