The Report on the proposed extension of the North West Shelf (NWS) Project has been made available by the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA). This involves formulating important environmental guidelines for the NWS's continuous operations in the ensuing decades. An important element of the locally produced, competitively priced gas supply that has long supported companies and employment in Western Australia has been provided by the Woodside-operated NWS Project, which helped establish the LNG sector in Australia. The NWS Project has delivered more than 5,970 PJ of domestic gas since it began operations in 1984, which is equivalent to 15 times the total expected demand for natural gas in Western Australia in 2022.
The continued operation of this critical infrastructure can unlock new gas supply for Western Australian and global customers, supporting the delivery of affordable and reliable energy for years to come. Additionally, the NWS continues to be a significant contributor to Australian GDP and a major employer, providing jobs and investment in the Pilbara region and the state of Western Australia. Woodside Energy Executive Vice President Australian Operations Fiona Hick said the NWS Joint Venture would carefully consider the conditions outlined by the EPA.
“After extended engagement with the EPA and relevant stakeholders over more than three years, the release of the EPA Report and recommended conditions marks an important step towards securing the future of the NWS Project and ongoing benefits for our community.
“At a time of heightened concern around energy security, the NWS Project has an important role to play in delivering natural gas to local and international customers, providing energy that can support their decarbonisation commitments,” she said.
The continued development of natural gas through the North West Shelf aligns with Woodside’s climate strategy. The climate strategy has two key elements: reducing our net equity Scope 1 and 2 greenhouse gas emissions towards an aspiration of net zero by 2050 or sooner, and investing in the products and services that our customers need as they reduce their emissions.
Woodside, as operator of the NWS Project, spent more than A$1 billion with Western Australia-based businesses in 2021 and continues to invest millions of dollars in education and training initiatives that benefit hundreds of young people in Karratha and Roebourne each year. Processing additional resources through the NWS Project can sustain and stimulate the growth of Karratha and surrounding regions, underpinning Western Australia's ongoing economic strength.
