Offsetting Beetaloo Basin emissions would require unproven CCS technology, off-limits international credits, CSIRO finds

Researchers were tasked with determining how — and if — carbon pollution from fracking the Beetaloo Basin could be offset. (Getty Images: Bronte Wittpenn)

A report finding that carbon pollution from a new fracking industry in the Northern Territory could be offset relies on unproven technology and "wildly unrealistic" assumptions, according to one of Australia's most respected climate authorities.

The report, produced by a gas industry-funded research arm of Australia's peak scientific agency, has been published almost a year behind schedule and as the NT government prepares to announce whether full-scale fracking will be allowed to go ahead.