UPDATE: Australia’s fossil fuel approval count has surged to 21 as the Albanese government greenlights two additional projects, intensifying the nation’s reliance on gas. In just 40 days, an offshore gas project in Victoria and an extension for a smaller oil project in Western Australia have been confirmed, raising critical concerns amid ongoing climate debates.
The latest approvals include a four-year extension for Santos’ Simpson Oil Field off the coast of Karratha, WA, now set to last until 2029. Additionally, Amplitude Energy’s East Coast Supply project has received the go-ahead to operate off Victoria’s southwest coast. This project has been touted as essential for meeting the gas demand in southeast Australia, aligning with the Commonwealth Government’s Future Gas Strategy, which emphasizes gas as a vital element for energy security and economic transition.
However, critics, including the Australia Institute, argue there is “no room in the global carbon budget to approve new gas mines.” They claim the Future Gas Strategy locks Australia into decades of fossil fuel expansion, undermining global climate commitments. Amplitude, previously known as Cooper Energy, anticipates decommissioning the East Coast Supply project by 2049.
The project is expected to generate a staggering 41.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) emissions over its operational life, with the majority stemming from the gas’s consumption rather than its extraction. This highlights a crucial issue: while Australia exports fossil fuels, it remains responsible for the emissions generated from domestic gas usage.
The urgency surrounding these approvals amplifies given the significant emissions associated with other recently approved projects, such as Santos’ Barossa and Woodside’s North-West Shelf, which collectively promise to unleash billions of tonnes of CO2-e into the atmosphere.
As the Albanese government continues to push forward with fossil fuel projects, environmental activists and concerned citizens are left questioning the long-term environmental implications. The government has already approved or extended at least 19 fossil fuel projects and two carbon capture initiatives since taking office in 2022.
Moving forward, observers are keenly watching how these developments will influence Australia’s climate policy and international standing. With global climate targets tightening, the implications of these approvals could resonate far beyond Australia’s borders.
Stay tuned for further updates as this situation develops.
