Revealed: the astonishing greenhouse gas emissions that will result from the North West Shelf project

Woodside's North West Shelf gas project, located on the Burrup Peninsula in Western Australia, stands as one of the largest liquefied natural gas (LNG) initiatives globally. In May, the Australian Labor government approved an extension of the project, allowing it to operate for an additional 40 years, extending its timeline from 2030 to 2070. This extension is projected to lead to significant greenhouse gas emissions, with estimates indicating that it will generate approximately 87.9 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2-e) annually. This figure represents a considerable environmental impact, particularly when considering the scale of emissions in relation to Australia’s overall contribution to climate change. Woodside's own assessments suggest that the emissions from this project will surpass those of numerous countries and major corporations, raising concerns about the long-term ecological consequences of such a large-scale gas operation.

Despite its substantial emissions output, the North West Shelf project has been criticized for contributing “almost nothing” to Australian tax revenues. The magnitude of the emissions can be difficult to comprehend, but visual aids and comparisons help to illustrate the scale. For instance, 87.9 million tonnes of emissions can be likened to the carbon footprint of driving around Australia 125 times in an average car, a comparison that underscores the project’s environmental footprint. The emissions discussed include various categories as defined in the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) application, encompassing scope 1, 2, and 3 emissions. Such figures highlight the urgent need for discussions around energy policy in Australia, particularly in light of the global shift towards sustainable energy solutions and the imperative to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to combat climate change effectively.