Environmental Watchdog Slams Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage Bill 2025
PETALING JAYA: An environmental watchdog, RimbaWatch, has urged the government to reconsider the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage Bill 2025, citing significant concerns over the bill’s failure to address important environmental issues.
The Problem with CCUS
RimbaWatch highlights that the "utilisation" part of carbon capture, utilisation, and storage (CCUS) involves using captured carbon dioxide to extract high-carbon fossil fuels, such as sour gas. This type of gas is considered a high-carbon fossil fuel due to the substantial greenhouse gas emissions released during its extraction and processing.
Loopholes in the Bill
The bill bans the use of imported carbon dioxide for this purpose, but does not restrict the use of locally captured carbon dioxide. This loophole could encourage more fossil fuel extraction, ultimately harming the climate.
No Penalties for CCUS Projects
RimbaWatch notes that the bill does not include provisions for penalties for CCUS projects that leak carbon dioxide back into the atmosphere or capture significantly lower amounts of the gas than touted. The bill also grants the government full discretion over who may be prosecuted for violations, mirroring controversial laws like the Official Secrets Act and the Sedition Act.
CCUS Projects Not Meeting the Mark?
The watchdog’s analysis reveals that nine out of 10 CCUS initiatives in Malaysia can be linked to the extraction of more fossil fuels rather than the main objective of reducing emissions. Despite the strong regulatory focus on CCUS, no fossil fuel company or government agency has conducted a comprehensive impact assessment of such projects to evaluate their full lifecycle impact.
Full Analysis
According to RimbaWatch’s 16-page report on the environmental impact of CCUS initiatives in Malaysia, the CCUS initiatives with available reserve data are designed to extract more than 20 trillion cubic feet of previously unextractable sour gas reserves. This will result in 55.1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent in annual emissions, with total emissions from these reserves reaching 1.379 billion tCO2e, equivalent to Japan’s total emissions in 2023.
Conclusion
RimbaWatch is urging the government to reconsider the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage Bill 2025 and address the significant concerns raised by the watchdog. The bill’s lack of provisions for penalties, its failure to restrict the use of locally captured carbon dioxide, and its lack of transparency in the CCUS process are major red flags.
FAQs
Q: What is the main issue with the Carbon Capture, Utilisation and Storage Bill 2025?
A: The bill’s failure to address the environmental concerns surrounding the extraction of fossil fuels, particularly sour gas, which is a high-carbon fossil fuel.
Q: What is the role of the "utilisation" part of CCUS in the bill?
A: The "utilisation" part involves using captured carbon dioxide to extract high-carbon fossil fuels, such as sour gas, which is a significant concern for the environment.
Q: What are the potential consequences of the CCUS initiatives in Malaysia?
A: The extraction of more fossil fuels, particularly sour gas, will result in significant greenhouse gas emissions, which will harm the climate.
Q: What is RimbaWatch’s call to action?
A: RimbaWatch is urging the government to reconsider the bill and address the environmental concerns, as well as conduct an independent national inquiry into CCUS to assess its impact on the environment.