Overview of the Browse LNG Project Reconsideration

The Australian Conservation Foundation's (ACF) request for reconsideration of Woodside Energy's proposed US$35 billion Browse liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Western Australia has been accepted by Commonwealth Environment Minister Murray Watt, opening the project to public scrutiny. Browse is Australia's largest undeveloped offshore gas asset, containing 14 trillion cubic feet of gas and nearly 390 million barrels of condensate, and has faced legal challenges from environmental groups and landowners.

Departmental Decision and Woodside's Response

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment & Water has validated the third-party request to reconsider the Environment Protection & Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act controlled action decision for the Browse to North West Shelf development. The department will now substantively consider the request under the EPBC Act. A Woodside spokesperson confirmed the company is reviewing the request and will provide comments to the department.

Project Potential and Opposition

Woodside emphasizes the Browse project's potential to contribute to energy security in Western Australia and the Asia Pacific region, with forecast production capacity of 11.4 million tonnes per annum of LNG, liquid petroleum gas, and domestic gas, plus peak condensate output of 50,000 barrels per day. However, environmental groups oppose the project. Greenpeace Australia Pacific's Hannah Schuch criticized the proposal to drill at least 50 wells at Scott Reef, risking marine life and the climate, and noted that the department's decision to validate and consult publicly on the ACF's reconsideration request "lands the project in hot water."

Climate Impacts and Scientific Evidence

ACF chief executive Adam Brandt stated that new evidence shows climate pollution from Browse would have unacceptable impacts on places of national significance like the Great Barrier Reef. The ACF commissioned research from IPCC lead author Sarah Perkins-Kirkpatrick, which found that emissions from the Browse project would cause the death of an additional 29.35 million individual coral colonies in every future mass bleaching event on the reef. Brandt emphasized that these scientific impacts cannot be ignored and should inform Minister Watt's decision, noting that this is the first time in eight years the project has been open for federal public comment.

Carbon Capture and Storage Project Developments

In March, Woodside withdrew its 2024 Browse carbon capture and storage (CCS) project referral and is now submitting a revised referral under newly proclaimed EPBC Act reforms, following the ministerial determination. The Woodside spokesperson clarified this is a procedural step with no significant change to the nature, scope, or intent of the proposed CCS project. The CCS project is expected to reduce Scope 1 greenhouse gas emissions from the Browse project by approximately 53 million tonnes, or 47% of total Scope 1 emissions, compared to the 2019 estimate, over the project's life. Woodside remains committed to progressing the CCS project through a transparent and robust environmental assessment process.