- Pluto LNG project now subject to a 30 per cent emissions reduction target by 2030 and targeting net-zero emissions by 2050
- New Greenhouse Gas Abatement Program applies to entire project, including existing Train 1 and proposed Train 2
- Decision made following expert, independent advice from the Environmental Protection Authority
- The Minister has now requested the EPA review Woodside's Ministerial Statement to reflect the revised program, ensuring strengthened compliance with the new targets
Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson has approved Pluto LNG's new Greenhouse Gas Abatement Program (GGAP), significantly reducing the project's projected carbon impact and providing another step towards the development of a second train at the facility.
The decision has been made following expert, independent advice from the Environmental Protection Authority.
Approvals for the construction and operation of two trains at the Pluto LNG project were granted in December 2007.
The enhanced GGAP includes:
- interim and long-term targets to achieve a 30 per cent emissions reduction from approved levels by 2030 and net-zero by 2050 across the entire project;
- measures to support achievement of long-term targets;
- a requirement to offset any shortfall in meeting the interim targets, including details of how these offsets will meet contemporary standards; and
- additional reporting requirements.
These new requirements apply to the entire Pluto LNG project - representing a significant reduction in emissions for both the existing Train 1 and new Train 2 from levels approved in 2007.
The new GGAP outlines the efficiency measures to achieve a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions of approximately 1.2 million tonnes per annum less than the original approval by 2030 for a two-train facility.
With the new GGAP now in place, the Minister has asked the Environmental Protection Authority to inquire into and report on the greenhouse gas emissions condition in the project's Ministerial Statement.
This work aims to contemporise the conditions under which the project operates to reflect the enhanced GGAP, ensuring strengthened compliance with the new emissions targets.
The new GGAP aligns the Pluto LNG project with the McGowan Government's commitment to net-zero emissions by 2050.
Comments attributed to Environment Minister Amber-Jade Sanderson:
"The enhanced Greenhouse Gas Abatement Program brings the Pluto LNG development's emissions reduction targets in line with the McGowan Government's Greenhouse Gas Emissions Policy for Major Projects.
"This is a significant advance in management of greenhouse gas emissions for this important project, committing both the existing and new trains to reduce emissions by 30 per cent by 2030 and set a clear trajectory towards achieving net-zero by 2050.
"I have asked the EPA to inquire into updating the Ministerial Statement under which the project operates to ensure these new targets are enforceable and subject to transparent reporting measures."
Minister's office - 6552 5900
