The Western Australian government has granted environmental approval for the North West Shelf Project Extension, marking a significant milestone for Woodside and the North West Shelf Joint Venture.

This decision comes after a rigorous six-year assessment and appeals process, paving the way for the continued operation of this crucial energy project.

Liz Westcott, Woodside’s Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Australia, hailed the approval as a critical step in ensuring the long-term processing of resources through the Karratha Gas Plant.

“This year we are celebrating 40 years of domestic gas production from the Karratha Gas Plant and 35 years of LNG exports — a contribution to reliable energy supply which can continue for years to come,” Westcott stated.

The approval includes commitments to various environmental management measures.

These include significant reductions in air emissions, such as Oxides of Nitrogen and Volatile Organic Compounds, as well as measures to manage and reduce greenhouse gas emissions over time.

Since its inception in 1984, the North West Shelf Project has been a cornerstone of Western Australia’s energy landscape.

It has supplied over 6,000 petajoules of domestic gas, equivalent to powering every home in a Perth-sized city for approximately 175 years.

The project has also made substantial economic contributions, paying more than $40 billion in royalties and excise over the past four decades.

The state’s decision now recommences the federal environmental approvals process, which had been paused during the appeal considerations.

Woodside looks forward to the finalisation of this process to provide certainty for the project’s ongoing operations.

Westcott highlighted the project’s commitment to meeting all environmental requirements and engaging in meaningful consultation with Traditional Owners.

The extension is expected to continue supporting local and global energy security, as well as regional development opportunities in the Pilbara region of northern Western Australia.

As the project moves forward, it faces both support and criticism. While industry bodies applaud the decision as a win for energy security, environmental groups express concerns about the long-term climate impacts.

The final decision now rests with the federal Environment Minister, who will determine the project’s ultimate fate in the coming weeks.