APA Group (ASX: APA) has commenced construction of the Sturt Plateau Pipeline (SPP), marking the start of a major infrastructure project designed to deliver Beetaloo Basin gas to power generation assets across the Northern Territory.
The estimated $66.5 million project forms the first stage in establishing a crucial connection between Beetaloo gas developments and existing energy infrastructure.
Once complete, it will link gas production to APA’s Amadeus Gas Pipeline, ensuring reliable energy supply to households and businesses in Darwin and beyond.
Construction of the 37-kilometre, 40 terajoule-per-day (TJ/d) capacity pipeline is expected to generate approximately 150 jobs at peak construction, supporting regional employment and strengthening local supply chains.
In September, APA received a pipeline licence from the Northern Territory government and registered an Indigenous Land Use Agreement (ILUA) with Traditional Owners, facilitated by the Northern Land Council (NLC) in alignment with its statutory responsibilities.
The agreement ensures Traditional Owner consent and participation throughout the project’s life.
APA’s CEO and Managing Director, Adam Watson said the Sturt Plateau Pipeline would play an important role in integrating the Beetaloo Basin into the Territory’s existing energy network.
“The SPP will help ensure Beetaloo gas is available to power the Territory, a critical first step in the basin’s development. Households and businesses in Darwin will be the first beneficiaries of this new infrastructure,” said Adam.
Northern Territory Deputy Chief Minister The Hon. Gerard Maley MLA welcomed the start of construction, describing it as a milestone for the region’s economic and energy future.
“The Sturt Plateau Pipeline construction signals the start of a new era for the Territory’s energy future, with this critical piece of infrastructure the first direct pipeline out of the Beetaloo,” said Maley.
“This construction project is a strong example of how the NT Government, industry, and Traditional Owners can work together to deliver real benefits – including job creation, the building of skills in our regions and strengthening of the Territory’s economic future.”
Tamboran Chair and Interim CEO Richard Stoneburner said the Beetaloo’s emerging gas developments promise to benefit not only the Northern Territory but also the broader Australian market.
“Tamboran’s work in the Beetaloo Basin will not only benefit the Northern Territory, but can also help address gas supply issues in Australia’s East Coast market.
“Tamboran has just successfully completed a record drilling program for the Beetaloo, and we are on track to deliver first gas to the Northern Territory mid-2026 2026 working closely with APA on the Sturt Plateau Pipeline.”
Over the coming months, pipeline sections will be welded and laid across the Sturt Plateau region as APA progresses toward first gas flow in 2026, marking a key step in unlocking the Beetaloo’s full potential for the Territory and Australia’s wider energy network.
