Australia's LNG decision sparks clash with climate goals
Australia plans to extend the operation of its largest LNG facility until 2070, which could bring in billions in profits from new drilling but raises concerns about the country's climate policy. This decision contradicts efforts to increase renewable energy production.
The Australian Minister for the Environment, Murray Watt, announced a preliminary decision to extend the operation of the LNG North West Shelf until 2070, reports Bloomberg.
The operator, Woodside Energy Group Ltd., has ten business days to respond. This decision could bring significant financial benefits by providing new drilling opportunities worth billions of pounds, but it simultaneously undermines Australia's climate commitments.
The government of Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, who was recently re-elected, has pledged to increase renewable energy production.
However, extending the operation of one of the country's largest polluting facilities could affect Australia's reputation as a leader in combating climate change.
Emissions from the North West Shelf, including those from gas exports, could over 50 years be ten times greater than Australia's current annual emissions. This calls into question the decision's alignment with global climate goals and Australia's commitments to emission reductions.
