Western Australia Launches New Regulatory Framework for Carbon Storage, Natural Hydrogen and Helium Exploration

The Western Australian Government has enacted a major update to its petroleum and energy legislation, establishing a new regulatory framework designed to support greenhouse gas storage, carbon transport infrastructure, and the exploration of naturally occurring hydrogen and helium. 

The reforms take effect immediately through the Petroleum Legislation Amendment Act 2024, which modernizes several long-standing petroleum laws and introduces new pathways for emerging energy sectors. The legislation is intended to provide regulatory certainty for companies pursuing carbon capture and storage (CCS) projects while also creating clearer permitting frameworks for natural hydrogen and helium exploration. 

Among the most significant changes are the introduction of acreage release and licensing systems for greenhouse gas storage projects, the creation of property rights for underground storage formations, and the establishment of site closure and long-term liability requirements. The legislation also enables the transportation of greenhouse gases through pipeline infrastructure, an important component for large-scale CCS deployment. 

The reforms arrive as carbon capture and storage continues to gain momentum globally as an emissions-reduction tool for energy, mining, and industrial operations. Western Australia views CCS as a key component of its broader strategy to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 while maintaining the competitiveness of its resource sector. 

For the natural hydrogen and helium industries, the legislation is particularly noteworthy because it creates regulatory pathways that recognize these emerging resources within the state's evolving energy framework. As exploration activity accelerates globally, access to clear permitting and licensing systems is increasingly becoming a competitive advantage for jurisdictions seeking investment. 

To support implementation, the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) has developed new regulations, guidance materials, and administrative systems designed to help industry participants navigate the updated framework. The department has stated that stakeholder feedback played an important role in shaping these supporting measures. 

The practical impact of the legislation is already being seen through the government's newly opened acreage nomination process for greenhouse gas storage, petroleum, and regulated substances. 

Full press release can be found below:

Act will provide regulatory certainty to emerging industries

Last updated: 28 May 2026 

A new legislative framework for greenhouse gas storage and transport takes effect today, unlocking low‑emissions opportunities for Western Australia’s resources sector while introducing pathways for naturally occurring hydrogen and helium exploration.

The Petroleum Legislation Amendment Act 2024 (PLAA) provides the regulatory certainty needed to drive the development of these emerging industries.

Carbon capture and storage is being adopted globally to decarbonise operations, supporting WA’s climate policy and its commitment to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.

The amendments introduce acreage release and licensing provisions for greenhouse gas storage, create property rights for storage formations and set clear requirements for site closure and long-term liability.

The PLAA also enables the transport of greenhouse gas via pipelines and ushers in reforms to the State Petroleum Acts including new polluter pays provisions and additive blending in pipelines.

To support implementation, the Department of Mines, Petroleum and Exploration (DMPE) has developed supporting regulations, systems and guidance material, incorporating stakeholder feedback to assist proponents in navigating the new requirements.

These legislative changes provide the department with contemporary regulatory pathways to effectively oversee WA’s evolving energy sector and emerging carbon storage technologies.

The impact of the new Act is reflected in the State Government’s call for greenhouse gas, petroleum and regulated substance acreage release nominations, which opened today.

More information is available on DMPE’s website at dmpe.wa.gov.au

The new Act amends the Petroleum and Geothermal Energy Resources Act 1967, Petroleum Pipelines Act 1969 and Petroleum (Submerged Lands) Act 1982.