AUSTRALIA — Santos’ Wilga Park Power Station is now generating enough electricity to power 32,000 homes in New South Wales, utilising locally sourced natural gas.
The company is currently pumping approximately 4 terajoules (TJ) of natural gas per day to the power station, where it is converted into electricity for the state’s power grid.
Kevin Gallagher, Santos Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, emphasised that this is just the beginning of the region’s energy-generating potential.
The gas is sourced from appraisal wells near Narrabri, which were drilled to assess the extent of natural gas reserves in the area.
Gallagher revealed that the Narrabri Gas Project could potentially produce up to 150 TJ of gas per day, which is 37 times more than current production levels and could meet almost half of the state’s gas demand.
This increased production could help alleviate the pressure on energy bills for Australian families by putting downward pressure on gas and electricity prices.
With forecasted shortfalls expected as early as next year, Santos is working to secure approvals quickly to unlock local gas resources.
The company aims to supply the domestic market exclusively, addressing both short-term gaps and long-term power reliability to support renewable energy when it is unavailable.
Santos has invested over $1.5 billion in the Narrabri Gas Project and is committed to its rapid development, despite delays caused by complex approval processes.
The company has a team of 16 people working in Narrabri, with an additional eight land access experts focused on progressing the Hunter Gas Pipeline.
The project is expected to generate significant economic benefits for the region. In the past year alone, Santos spent $10 million with local businesses in Narrabri and Gunnedah.
The Narrabri Gas Project, along with associated projects, is projected to create up to 1,700 jobs during the construction phase and 200 ongoing positions.
Santos has implemented a local employment strategy, recognising its positive impact on both the business and the community.
This approach aims to support local families, schools, and businesses, contributing to the overall vitality of the region.
As the project moves forward, Santos continues to work closely with landowners and the community to address concerns and maximise benefits for the region.