Woodside wrestles with EPA after biggest new gas field in Australia rejected
Woodside Energy says it is still working with “relevant regulators” amid reports a megaproject in one of the world’s richest marine zones has failed to get state environmental approval.
The proposed $30 billion-plus Browse development off WA has reportedly “unacceptable” potential impacts on endangered Pygmy Blue Whales and Green Turtles.
The risk of pollution and oil spills at the fragile Scott Reef was also behind the state regulator’s imminent decision.
Australia’s largest untapped offshore gas resource, Browse is located approximately 425 km north of Broome, and is a major component in Woodside’s Burrup Hub gas expansion.
Woodside argued that Browse could help address the shortfall of domestic gas in WA, forecast from the early 2030s, and support energy security in Asia.
It also said the project was aligned with the federal strategy that acknowledged the role of gas in Australia’s energy transition to 2050 and beyond.
But environmentalists say Browse gas used in Australia or overseas would dump carbon emissions into the atmosphere, heating the climate and fuelling destruction in Australia.
It's a major blow for Woodside's plan to develop the largest new gas field in Australia.