Browse Basin Gas Project – Western Australia
The Browse Basin Gas Project, located 425 kilometres north of Broome in remote offshore waters, is one of Australia’s largest proposed fossil fuel ventures. Operated by Woodside Energy in partnership with BP, Shell, PetroChina, and Japan Australia LNG (MIMI), the project aims to tap into what is considered the nation’s biggest untapped reserve of conventional gas.
Development plans involve two floating production facilities and a 900-kilometre subsea pipeline to the existing North West Shelf Karratha Gas Plant for processing. Despite multiple delays, Woodside has not yet made a Final Investment Decision (FID), and the project remains in its concept definition phase.
Its remote location and high infrastructure costs have made the North West Shelf the only viable processing option, and the federal government’s approval to extend that facility’s life until 2070 has helped keep Browse on the table.
The project has faced ongoing scrutiny from regulatory authorities and legal challenges from environmental and Indigenous groups.
The Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has raised significant concerns over its environmental impact, particularly in light of climate targets.
If approved, the Browse Basin project is expected to emit up to 1.6 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent over its lifetime—more than three times Australia’s current annual emissions.
Environmental advocates warn that this level of pollution would seriously undermine the country’s commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050 and contradict the International Energy Agency’s call to stop approving new oil and gas developments.
Browse Basin Gas Project Overview
- Owner/Operator: Woodside Energy Group Ltd. operates the project on behalf of the Browse Joint Venture, which includes partners BP, Shell, PetroChina, and Japan Australia LNG (MIMI).
- Location: The Browse Basin is located 425 kilometres north of Broome, off the Kimberley coast of Western Australia, in deep water.
- Offshore Status: Yes.
- Project Value: Estimated at US$30 billion, making it one of Australia’s most expensive gas developments.
- Gas Reserve: The Browse Basin is considered Australia’s largest untapped reserve of conventional gas.
Browse Basin Gas Project Scope
- Development Plan: Woodside proposes two floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) facilities and a 900 km pipeline to send the gas to the North West Shelf’s Karratha Gas Plant for processing.
- Processing Dependence: According to the ABC, the North West Shelf project is seen as the last viable hope for extracting the Browse gas due to the basin’s remote location and challenging conditions.
- Production Capacity: Approximately 11.4 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of liquefied natural gas (LNG), liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), and domestic gas.
Emissions and Environmental Concerns
- Projected Emissions: Environmental groups estimate the Browse development would emit up to 1.6 billion tonnes of greenhouse gas pollution over its lifetime—more than three times Australia’s current annual emissions.
- Climate Risk: Critics argue that approving the project would blow a hole in Australia’s net-zero commitments and embolden further fossil fuel expansion.
- Scott Reef Proximity: The project is located near Scott Reef, a pristine and remote coral reef ecosystem rich in biodiversity. Marine scientists warn that drilling operations and increased shipping traffic could damage the reef and threaten endangered marine species.
Cultural and Heritage Impacts
- Murujuga Rock Art: While the processing would occur at the North West Shelf’s Karratha Gas Plant, emissions from industrial activities have long raised concerns about the degradation of Murujuga (the Burrup Peninsula), home to over one million ancient petroglyphs.
Regulatory and Legal Status
- Project Status: Final Investment Decision (FID) has been delayed multiple times, with Woodside stating it is still in the concept definition phase.
- Environmental Review: The WA Environmental Protection Authority has expressed concern over the project’s environmental impact. The federal government’s extension of the North West Shelf’s operating life until 2070 has helped keep the project alive.
- Legal and Community Opposition: Environmental groups such as the Conservation Council of WA and Environs Kimberley, along with Traditional Owner representatives, continue to challenge the project in the courts and in the public arena.
Company Information
- Woodside Energy Group Ltd.: woodside.com
The Browse Basin gas development is one of the largest—and most contested—fossil fuel proposals in Australia. Promised as an economic boon, it is also described by environmentalists as a climate disaster and a threat to one of Australia’s last untouched marine environments. As the world moves away from fossil fuels, the question remains: should Browse stay buried?
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