Federal opposition backs Woodside’s 50-year North West Shelf gas project extension

Federal opposition leader Peter Dutton has vowed to finally approve the push by Woodside Energy (ASX: WDS) to extend the life of its North West Shelf (NWS) gas project in Western Australia until 2070.

During a visit to Perth today, Mr Dutton unveiled a proposal for fast-tracking the project while also supporting the development of the $30 billion Browse joint venture with Woodside, BP, and Japanese giant Mitsui.

Woodside, which has long been seeking environmental approval for a 50-year extension to the NWS project, was most recently disappointed after Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek delayed a federal government environmental approval deadline until the end of March.

Expedited consideration

Mr Dutton announced to the Perth media that he would provide a go-ahead within 30 days of winning the upcoming federal election.

“We would expedite consideration of the NWS project as a matter of urgency because, unlike Labor, we recognise its significance to the WA economy and the importance of secure and reliable gas supplies in pushing down energy prices,” he said.

“It is of national importance that this project not be held up any longer by a government whose prime minister and minister would rather gain Greens votes in inner-city electorates than approve good economic projects for the energy security of our nation.”

Major gas and LNG supply

Located in WA’s Pilbara region, the NWS project has been producing gas and LNG for domestic and global customers for 40 years.

Upon commencing production in 1984, the NWS became WA’s largest producer of pipeline gas, providing energy that fuelled the state’s commercial and industrial developments.

The project’s Karratha gas plant is one of the most advanced integrated gas production systems in the world, producing LNG, domestic gas, condensate and LPG.

Greens attack decision

Greens spokesperson for the environment Senator Sarah Hanson-Young declared Mr Dutton was doing the bidding of the fossil fuel companies.

“The NWS project extension is not in our national interest—Woodside’s gas greed would be an environmental disaster and Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek should have rejected it well before the upcoming federal election.”

“This extension would unleash billions of tonnes of carbon pollution out to 2070, threatening cultural heritage at Murujuga and pristine ecosystems like Scott Reef, home to 33 threatened species such as the green sea turtle and the pygmy blue whale.”

“Heavy shipping and drilling will also jeopardise whale migration pathways.”