Woodside‘s North West Shelf Extension Approved Amid Climate Concerns
PERTH, WA – The Western Australian government has approved an extension to Woodside Energy’s North West Shelf gas project, paving the way for the development of the Browse Basin, a move immediately drawing criticism from environmental groups who claim the project could release up to 1.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over its lifetime. The approval,granted today,allows Woodside to process gas from the remote Browse Basin through the existing North West shelf infrastructure.
The decision arrives at a critical juncture in Australia’s climate debate, as the nation grapples with balancing energy security, economic interests, adn its commitments to reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Woodside maintains the Browse project is vital for Western Australia’s future gas supply and meeting the energy demands of its customers, proposing a carbon capture and storage solution to mitigate the environmental impact. Though, the project is anticipated to face legal challenges and protests, mirroring the recent battles over the Burrup Hub.
Woodside argues browse is critically important for both WA’s future gas mix, and meeting its clients’ energy needs, and is proposing a carbon capture and storage solution to sequester carbon dioxide. Freelance journalist marian Wilkinson recently predicted in a Quarterly Essay that the Browse development would trigger further legal disputes, protests, and lengthy appeals.
The North West Shelf is one of the world’s largest LNG facilities, and the Browse Basin holds significant gas reserves. The extension will allow Woodside to access these reserves, extending the life of the existing infrastructure.
“But if the battle over the Burrup Hub teaches us anything,” Wilkinson wrote, “It’s that Australia needs a broader, national debate about gas exports and climate change. One that asks: Can Australia really be a responsible climate actor if it keeps developing major new gas projects as global emissions continue to rise and the chances of holding global warming to 1.5 Celsius fade?”