Sustainability

Viva Energy plans to offset the greenhouse gas emissions from the Gas Terminal proposed for the Geelong Refinery site.

Certified carbon offsets will be purchased for Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions which are directly related to the construction and operation of the terminal.

This commitment with respect to the Gas Terminal Project reflects the Company's approach to new projects, where a sustainability lens has been applied to all aspects of this project's development and, where possible, carbon emissions have been designed out of the operations, and a net zero approach adopted from its commencement.

From the outset a team of experts worked on identifying opportunities to minimise environmental impacts, including the carbon footprint of the project.

An independent greenhouse gas impact assessment was conducted as part of the Victorian Government’s Environment Effects Statement (EES) process.

This technical study provided important input to project design, identifying a number of opportunities to improve efficiency and minimise emissions during both construction and operations.

An example of this, is the decision to operate the Gas Terminal primarily in ‘open loop’ mode. This means that the terminal uses seawater to warm up and re-gasify the LNG rather than using heaters which burn fuel. As a result, greenhouse gas emissions will be about four times less than the alternative ‘closed loop’ scenario.

The use of fuels (mainly diesel) in vehicles, plant and equipment and LNG used to run the Gas Terminal were identified as major sources of emissions for the project. Mitigation measures to be put in place include local procurement and employment to reduce emissions associated with travel, and the selection of fuel-efficient plant and equipment for construction.

An energy management system will also be implemented and externally certified against the internationally recognised ISO 50001 framework to improve energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions during the operational life of the terminal.

Viva Energy’s approach to sustainability for the gas terminal extends beyond greenhouse gas offsets. A unique feature of Viva Energy’s gas terminal, is the proposal to re-use and recycle seawater used in its refinery operations. This delivers a unique environmental outcome where the water temperature of the discharge will be close to ambient and chlorine levels will be largely unchanged from current refinery operations.

Ecological studies and modelling undertaken as part of the EES show that the healthy marine life in Corio Bay will continue to flourish.

Viva Energy’s commitment to offset emissions from this specific project is consistent with the company’s commitment to apply a sustainability lens across its existing and future business.

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Greenhouse Gas Emissions

Our vision for the Geelong Energy Hub is focused on exploring opportunities in transition fuels (such as LNG), alternative fuels (like biofuels and hydrogen), and renewable energy and emission reduction projects (such as a solar energy farm) at our Geelong Refinery.

The greenhouse gas impact assessment will identify and assess the potential environmental impacts of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with the construction and operation of the Gas Terminal, including Scope 1 and 2 emissions and potential fugitive emissions from spills or leakages. The study will also identify and recommend mitigation measures to avoid, minimise and manage potential impacts.

Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions (sometimes referred to as direct emissions) are the emissions released to the atmosphere as a result of Viva Energy's activities. Scope 2 greenhouse gas emissions are the emissions released to the atmosphere from the indirect consumption of an energy commodity, for example Viva Energy's use of electricity produced by the burning of coal by another business.

Download the Greenhouse  Gas Emissions Fact Sheet