Woodside Gas Project Receives Environmental Approval in WA
Woodside Energy’s gas project in Western Australia gets the green light, sparking mixed reactions from environmentalists and industry leaders.
Woodside Energy, Western Australia, Gas Project, Environmental Approval, Climate Change
Karratha: Woodside Energy just got a big thumbs up from the West Australian government for its gas project. This approval means they can keep the Karratha gas plant running until 2070. It’s been a long road, with six years of assessments and tons of appeals.
The company is pretty excited, saying this is a key step to ensure they can keep supplying energy both locally and globally. But not everyone is happy about it. Environmentalists and climate activists are fuming, claiming this project is one of the biggest polluters in Australia.
WA Greens MP Brad Pettitt didn’t hold back, saying extending the project for another 50 years goes against Australia’s commitment to net zero emissions. He’s worried about the massive climate pollution that will come from it.
Experts are also sounding the alarm. Mark Ogge from the Australian Institute said this decision could be disastrous for the climate and energy prices. He pointed out that the expected emissions from this project are equivalent to 24 coal power stations.
Plus, there are concerns about the impact on Aboriginal rock art in the area. The project could also lead to higher energy prices for households and businesses in WA, which is already feeling the pinch.
Opposition leader Shane Love thinks the lengthy approval process has shaken confidence in WA’s gas industry. He’s calling for the Albanese Labor Government to act quickly to approve the project.
On the flip side, Greenpeace is calling this decision a “kick in the guts” and urging the federal Environment Minister to reject the project. They argue that endorsing more fossil fuels during a climate crisis is reckless.
Local conservation groups are also upset, saying the WA government has let down the community and future generations. They fear this decision could lead to more fracking in the Kimberley region and threaten pristine areas like Scott Reef.
Interestingly, this isn’t the first time Woodside has received approval. They were initially given the green light back in 2000 for a 30-year operation. Now, with the new approval, they’ve promised to implement some environmental management measures to reduce emissions over time.
The North West Shelf Project is a massive liquefied natural gas operation, and it’s been around since 1984. It’s generated billions in royalties and created thousands of jobs, supplying enough gas to power every home in Perth for about 175 years.