Australia has approved Woodside Energy’s proposal to extend the operational life of its North West Shelf gas processing plant in Karratha, Western Australia, until 2070.
This decision concludes a six-year review process marked by delays, appeals, and environmental group opposition. The extension allows the facility to continue operations beyond its current approval expiry in 2030.
Australian Environment Minister Murray Watt announced that the decision is subject to stringent conditions concerning air emission impacts from the expanded onshore Karratha gas plant. The assessment involved considering the potential effects on the national heritage values of nearby ancient rock art and evaluating economic and social factors tied to the project.
Minister Watt highlighted that protection of the Murujuga rock art, part of the Dampier Archipelago, was central to the assessment process. The proponent has been granted a 10-business-day period to provide input on the proposed conditions before a final decision is reached.
Woodside and the North West Shelf joint venture expressed approval for the government’s proposed decision, stating it offers certainty for ongoing operations after exhaustive assessments. The participants in the North West Shelf joint venture are Woodside, BP, Chevron, Japan Australia LNG (MIMI), and Shell.
Woodside executive vice president and Australia chief operating officer Liz Westcott said: “This proposed approval will secure the ongoing operation of the North West Shelf and the thousands of direct and indirect jobs that it supports.
“This nationally significant infrastructure has supplied reliable and affordable energy to Western Australia for 40 years and international customers for 35 years and will be able to continue its contribution to energy security.”
Since its inception in 1984, the North West Shelf Project has generated significant economic benefits, paying over A$40bn ($25.78bn) in royalties and taxes. It has supported regional development in Pilbara while providing reliable energy to Western Australia and international customers.
Woodside acknowledged receipt of federal conditions related to cultural heritage management and air quality. The company committed to reviewing these conditions thoroughly.
Furthermore, Woodside remains dedicated to protecting the Murujuga Cultural Landscape and supporting its World Heritage nomination.
The project also agreed to several environmental management measures as part of state government approval granted in December 2024. These include reducing air emissions and managing greenhouse gas emissions over time. Consultation with Traditional Owners is ongoing, ensuring compliance with air quality objectives set by the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program.
The North West Shelf Project has delivered over 6,000 petajoules of domestic gas, powering homes and industries across Western Australia. This supply would be sufficient to power a city like Perth for approximately 175 years if confined solely to household electricity usage.
