Pilot Energy spearheads new carbon capture era in WA

Sydney Morning Herald

by James Pearson

February 26, 2026

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Pilot Energy spearheads new carbon capture era in WA

Pilot Energy is set to make history by launching Australia’s first direct air capture (DAC) plant in Western Australia, marking a significant step in the nation’s transition to low-carbon energy solutions. The project, known as Project Wallaby, is a collaboration with US-based technology firm Capture6 and will be located at Pilot Energy’s existing Cliff Head facility near Dongara. This innovative facility aims to capture carbon dioxide directly from the air while simultaneously producing freshwater and green industrial chemicals—a groundbreaking approach that repurposes existing infrastructure for sustainable outcomes. The DAC plant will utilize saline formation water, a byproduct traditionally considered a costly waste, as a feedstock. Capture6’s technology will mineralize CO2 in a single step, transforming it into a valuable asset. This process not only reduces disposal costs but also creates new revenue streams through carbon removal credits, freshwater production, and green chemicals. The plant is expected to capture around 300 kilograms of CO2 per day during its initial three-month demonstration phase, with potential for scaling up to remove up to 35,000 tonnes annually in a commercial-scale rollout. Pilot Energy’s broader vision extends beyond carbon capture. The Dongara Energy Centre, which includes the DAC plant, is also slated for data center development, leveraging renewable energy sources and carbon storage capabilities. This convergence of clean energy, carbon management, and industrial infrastructure positions Pilot Energy at the forefront of Australia’s emerging carbon removal sector. The project’s significance lies in its practical implementation. While many carbon capture initiatives remain conceptual, Dongara is rapidly moving from theory to action, with modules already installed and commissioning set for mid-June 2026. By transforming former oil and gas assets into climate solutions, Pilot Energy demonstrates the potential for repurposing legacy infrastructure to address global emissions. This milestone highlights Western Australia’s leadership in sustainable innovation and underscores the importance of integrating carbon capture with renewable energy and resource recovery. As the world seeks scalable climate solutions, projects like Project

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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/26/2026