Woodside welcomes proposed NWS Extension approval
The Federal Government’s proposed decision to grant environmental approval for the North West Shelf (NWS) Project Extension shapes as a significant milestone for Woodside’s operations in Western Australia.
The NWS Project has underpinned Woodside’s major contributions to energy security and economic development, supplying reliable and affordable energy to Western Australia for 40 years and international customers for 35 years.
When finalised, this proposed approval will enable these contributions to continue for decades more to come. It will allow the ongoing processing of existing NWS field resources, and opportunity for processing of further third-party gas resources through the Karratha Gas Plant.
The conditions of the proposed approval are currently being reviewed in detail, in consultation with the federal government. Woodside understands its responsibilities in respect of the project’s environmental and heritage management.
“We remain committed to protecting the Murujuga Cultural Landscape and support its World Heritage nomination,” said Liz Westcott, EVP and COO.
"We believe long-term co-existence between cultural heritage and industry is possible when guided by credible science, Traditional Custodian leadership, and genuine collaboration."
The project has already supplied more than 6000 petajoules of domestic gas to WA homes and industry – enough energy to power all Perth homes for about 175 years. It has also delivered more than 6500 cargoes of LNG to international customers, helping to keep the lights on and heat homes in Asia.
Beyond providing much-needed security of gas supplies, ongoing operation of the NWS can deliver so much more in terms of economic and social contributions.
The project is a major employer in Western Australia with almost 900 direct employees and 1,300 contractors supporting the operations. In 2024, of the A$1.15 billion spent by the project on operational and capital expenditure, 78% was spent with WA-based businesses.
Over the past four decades, the project has paid more than A$40 billion in royalties and excise, and invested well over A$300 million in community contributions in the City of Karratha.
Liz noted: “As part of the State Government approval in December 2024, the North West Shelf committed to a range of environmental management measures, including a significant reduction in air emissions and measures to manage greenhouse gas emissions and to reduce them over time.”
“Meaningful consultation with Traditional Owners is occurring as part of these conditions, including complying with all air quality objectives and standards arising from the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program.”
Liz noted the decision followed six years of rigorous assessment and appeals, involving sustained commitment and focus from a number of Woodside teams.
“I thank everyone who was worked on this approval over the last six years,” Liz said.
