Australia Extends Life of Its Largest Oil and Gas Project to 2070

In a landmark move, Environment Minister Murray Watt has approved the long-awaited extension of Australia’s largest oil and gas project, allowing the Northwest Shelf facility to operate until at least 2070. This decision marks a significant milestone in Australia’s energy landscape, after years of debate and assessment.

Woodside, the project operator, first proposed expanding the life of its West Australian gas facility six years ago. Since then, the proposal has undergone rigorous scientific review and community consultation. Watt’s approval, announced today, comes with strict conditions aimed at managing air emissions from the expanded onshore Karratha gas plant.

The approval permits Woodside to continue operating the facility beyond 2030, though it does not involve opening any new gas fields. Importantly, the project’s extension could significantly prolong emissions, raising environmental concerns, especially among climate advocates.

This decision is the first major move by Watt as environment minister, drawing mixed reactions. The Coalition welcomed the approval, emphasizing job security and energy supply, while Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young criticized the move, accusing the government of prioritizing profits over environmental protection.

Greenpeace’s chief executive, David Ritter, called the decision “terrible,” citing the project’s reputation as “one of the dirtiest and most polluting fossil fuel operations.” Critics warn that extending the project could add a decade’s worth of emissions, further fueling climate change, especially since Western Australia relies heavily on offshore oil and gas for its power.

Supporters like Australian Workers Union secretary Paul Farrow argued that the extension safeguards jobs and supplies critical energy, noting that while much of the gas is exported, a significant portion continues to serve domestic needs.

Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill expressed satisfaction with the approval, describing it as “a long time in the coming” and emphasizing the company’s commitment to keeping gas flowing for both local and international markets.

As Australia balances economic interests with environmental concerns, today’s decision underscores the ongoing debate over the nation’s energy future amid the global push for cleaner, sustainable energy sources.