Australia approves the North West Shelf gas project extension to 2070, triggering environmental backlash and raising concerns about long-term emissions impact.
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| Australia’s environment minister approves Woodside’s North West Shelf extension through 2070, sparking outcry from climate advocates over fossil fuel emissions. Image Courtesy: ABC News |
Karratha, Australia — May 27, 2025:
Australia has approved a controversial extension of the North West Shelf, the country’s largest oil and gas development, allowing operations to continue until 2070. The decision, made by Environment Minister Murray Watt, marks the first major environmental ruling under his leadership and comes after six years of regulatory review.
“After considering scientific assessments and community submissions, I have approved the extension subject to strict air emissions controls,” Senator Watt said in a statement. The permit will not involve the opening of new gas fields or the expansion of the project’s physical footprint.
Operated by energy giant Woodside, the North West Shelf supplies around 14% of Western Australia’s power and has been a key asset in Australia’s LNG export economy. However, the long-term continuation of the project has ignited intense criticism from environmental organizations and climate advocates.
Greenpeace Australia Pacific CEO David Ritter called the move “a terrible decision,” arguing that the facility is one of the most polluting fossil fuel projects in the world. “Despite industry rhetoric, the science is clear — we do not need more polluting gas,” Ritter said.
The decision arrives at a time when Australia faces growing international scrutiny over its climate commitments. Tuvalu’s Climate Minister, Maina Talia, condemned the approval, warning it could “lock in emissions until 2070” and severely damage Australia’s credibility as it campaigns to co-host the 2026 UN Climate Conference with Pacific nations.
Though emissions are a key concern, Australia’s Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act currently does not include legal provisions to assess climate impact when approving projects. Plans to modernize the legislation were recently delayed after pressure from Western Australian Premier Roger Cook, but Senator Watt confirmed that reform will remain a government priority.
In defending the decision, the environment minister stated that heritage concerns regarding nearby Indigenous rock art had been evaluated and deemed unaffected, given the lack of physical expansion.
The extension does not guarantee operations through 2070 but gives Woodside the option to continue production under federal oversight. It represents a significant win for the fossil fuel industry and the political opposition Coalition, which had promised fast-track approval if elected.
Critics argue that the move undermines Australia’s global climate leadership and deepens its dependence on fossil fuels at a time when global energy markets are pivoting toward renewable alternatives. As the government revisits climate legislation, the North West Shelf approval could serve as a pivotal flashpoint in Australia’s energy transition debate.