Media Release: APPEA celebrates Scarborough and Pluto Train 2 investment decisions

The final investment decision (FID) by Woodside and BHP for the Scarborough gas project demonstrates ongoing confidence in the Australian oil and gas industry.

Woodside has also taken FID on Train 2 of its Pluto LNG facility near Karratha, that will process the Scarborough resource, along with Global Infrastructure Partners of the Pluto Train 2 Joint Venture.

Scarborough and Pluto Train 2 will support local jobs and deliver affordable, reliable, and cleaner energy across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region for decades to come, according to the peak body for Australia’s oil and gas industry.

APPEA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said the FID was a massive vote of confidence in the future of Australia’s natural gas industry.

“This decision brings announced investment in Australian oil and gas projects to more than $27bn this year alone.”

“The benefits of this project are significant, creating 3,200 jobs at peak during its four-year construction and securing the future of around 600 Scarborough jobs during operations.”

“These jobs are on top of the 80,000 direct and indirect jobs – and hundreds of thousands of Australian jobs – that depend on the affordable, reliable and cleaner supply of oil and gas.”

“Woodside can make this investment decision because of the strong outlook for the natural gas industry and the growing global demand for reliable, cleaner energy.”

APPEA WA Director Claire Wilkinson said the project will play an important role in reducing emissions in Australia and overseas.

“Natural gas is replacing coal and wood-fired power across the Asia-Pacific region to help meet net zero targets. Scarborough gas will play a critical role in reducing global emissions and ensuring energy security in those countries,” Ms Wilkinson said.

“Because the Scarborough reservoir contains only around 0.1% carbon dioxide and the project will involve highly advanced low emissions technology, Scarborough will be one of the least emissions-intensive sources of LNG globally that can be delivered to north Asian customers.”