WOODSIDE Energy has won a six-year battle with the approval today of a 50-year extension for its North West Shelf plant.
A ministerial statement from Environment Minister Reece Whitby agreed the operation could go ahead subject to strict conditions to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
The contentious plan to extend the operation covering more than 200 hectares north-west of Karratha has been vehemently opposed by conservation groups.
The announcement was followed on 13 December by dozens of protestors reportedly descending on Woodside’s Perth headquarters.
News website WAtoday was reporting that more than 70 protestors surrounded by police showed off signs protesting the decision.
The approval makes way for the development of the $30 billion Browse field.
A media release from Woodside on 12 December welcomed the state government decision to provide environmental approval for the North West Shelf Project Extension. “After six years of assessment and appeals, this is a critical step in the approvals process to underpin the ongoing operation of the North West Shelf Project so it can continue to deliver a reliable supply of energy locally and globally,” the release said.
The State’s decision recommences the Federal environmental approvals process, which was paused while appeals were being considered.
Woodside Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer Australia Liz Westcott said State approval of the North West Shelf Project Extension is an important step to enable the long-term processing of North West Shelf Joint Venture field resources and third-party gas resources through the Karratha Gas Plant.
“This year we are celebrating 40 years of domestic gas production from the Karratha Gas Plant and 35 years of LNG exports – a contribution to reliable energy supply which can continue for years to come.
“We look forward to the finalisation of the Federal approval process to provide certainty around the ongoing operation of the North West Shelf Project.
“By using existing infrastructure, the project can continue to support local and global energy security and regional development opportunities in the Pilbara in northern Western Australia.
“We are committed to ensuring we continue to meet all environmental requirements, including the conditions of this approval, and engage in meaningful consultation with Traditional Owners regarding our activities.”
As part of the approval, the North West Shelf committed to a range of environmental management measures, including a significant reduction in air emissions such as oxides of nitrogen and volatile organic compounds as well as greenhouse gas emissions management measures to reduce emissions over time.
Since it started in 1984, the North West Shelf Project has supplied more than 6,000 petajoules of domestic gas, powering homes and industry in Western Australia.
The release said if this amount of gas were solely for household use, it would provide enough power for every home in a city the size of Perth for approximately 175 years.
Over the past four decades, the North West Shelf Project has paid more than $40 billion in royalties and excise, provided employment and contracting opportunities to the Pilbara community and invested well over $300 million in social and community infrastructure.
