Industry News

PERTH, AUSTRALIA – The Bonaparte CCS Assessment Joint Venture (INPEX Browse E&P Pty Ltd 53% as Operator; TotalEnergies CCS Australia Pty Ltd 26%; and Woodside Energy Ltd 21%) today welcomed the Australian Government awarding Major Project Status to the Bonaparte Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Project.

INPEX Managing Director and Country Chair Australia, Tetsu Murayama, said the announcement by Minister for Industry and Innovation and Minister for Science, Senator the Hon Tim Ayres, highlights the Bonaparte CCS Project’s recognised potential to support a lower carbon future.

“Being awarded Major Project Status is pleasing acknowledgement by the Australian Government of the Bonaparte CCS Project’s strategic importance in supporting the nation’s net zero goals. Significantly, this is the first offshore CCS project to receive Major Project Status in Australia.

“Appraisal works in 2024 confirmed a high-quality saline aquifer reservoir with thick sealing formations which appear suitable for safe and permanent carbon storage in the Bonaparte Basin, approximately 250 kilometres offshore Darwin. It is proving to be one of the most promising carbon dioxide (CO2) storage sites globally, with an anticipated capacity of more than 10 million tonnes per annum.

“This means the Bonaparte CCS Project could substantially contribute to decarbonising northern Australia and potentially the wider Indo-Pacific region.

“On behalf of the Bonaparte CCS Assessment Joint Venture, INPEX will continue engaging closely with community, and the Australian and Northern Territory governments to advance this significant project,” said Mr Murayama.

Preliminary front-end engineering design work commenced in April 2025 with first CO2 injection planned around 2030. The Ichthys Joint Venture is expected to be the anchor customer.

The Bonaparte CCS Assessment Joint Venture is now conducting detailed analysis of the reservoir appraisal data, to support a Declaration of Identified GHG Storage Formation application in advance of obtaining a greenhouse gas injection licence.

Media contact: Carina Peart; +61 451 399 660; carina.peart@inpex.com.au

Bonaparte Carbon Capture and Storage Project fact sheet

Source: INPEX

Beetaloo Energy Australia Limited (“Beetaloo Energy”) is pleased to advise that an On Country Meeting of the traditional Aboriginal owners of the Mambaliya Rrumburriya Wuyaliya Aboriginal Land Trust covering EP187 (“Traditional Owners”) was conducted on 24th and 25th June 2025.

The meeting was arranged by the Northern Land Council in accordance with the Aboriginal Land Rights (Northern Territory) Act 1976 (Cth) (“the Act”) and the Exploration Deed between Beetaloo Energy subsidiary Imperial Oil & Gas Pty Limited and the Northern Land Council.

At that meeting, the Traditional Owners consented to the sale of appraisal gas in accordance with Section 57AAA (5)(d) of the Petroleum Act 1984 (NT).

The package of benefits is being finalised between Beetaloo Energy and a committee of the Traditional Owners with the support of the Northern Land Council. The process of executing the agreement will then occur in accordance with the Act.

Beetaloo Energy will advise shareholders once that process reaches its conclusion.

Source: Beetaloo Energy Australia

In March 2025, the CLP Government announced it would responsibly increase regulated electricity prices by 3%, effective from 1 July 2025 - benefiting around 85,000 households and small-to-medium businesses.

The Territory Government in 2025 will invest $192 million to subsidise power prices for households and small businesses.

Thanks to this ongoing subsidy, the Northern Territory continues to enjoy some of the lowest electricity prices in the country.

Treasurer Bill Yan said the CLP Government remains focused on protecting Territorians from rising energy costs.

“We want the lowest possible prices for households while maintaining a reliable network,” Mr Yan said.

“These reforms make sure our electricity subsidy stays sustainable, so we can keep supporting households, small businesses and regional communities across the Territory.”

Treasurer Bill Yan said the government is acting to protect this critical support well into the future.

“The Community Service Obligation keeps power affordable across the Territory, without it, an average household in Darwin would be paying nearly 50% more, and even more in regional and remote areas,” Mr Yan said.

“These sensible reforms ensure we can maintain this support where it’s needed most, while keeping costs low for everyday Territorians.”

In 2025–26, the CLP Government will boost funding for the CSO by $51 million, bringing the total investment to $192 million to continue shielding Territorians from rising electricity supply costs.

Electricity Pricing Reforms will roll out in three stages:

Phase 1 – From 1 July 2025

·         A new tariff will apply for large commercial customers using between 500 and 750 MWh a year.

·         NT and Commonwealth Government agencies will move to full cost pricing.

·         The solar feed-in tariff will double to 18.66c/kWh for energy exported to the grid between 3pm and 9pm.

Phase 2 – From 1 January 2026

Households will move to a tiered pricing system: 

·         The first 55 kWh per day will be charged at the normal household rate.

·         Usage above that will be charged at a higher rate, equal to the rate applied to small businesses.

·          New time-of-use plans will be available for households and small businesses to give more choice and control over energy costs.

Phase 3 – From 1 July 2026

·         Daily charges for high voltage customers will move to full cost pricing.

·         Local government councils will also move to cost-reflective tariffs.

“These reforms are about long-term sustainability, keeping costs low where it matters most, while ensuring we can continue to subsidise electricity for Territorians in a fair and responsible way,” the Treasurer said.

To find out more information, visit the website. 

Source: Northern Territory Newsroom

Delivering on its year of action, certainty and security, the Finocchiaro CLP Government has launched a new program to equip Territory businesses with the skills they need to grow, compete, and succeed.

Local businesses wanting to increase their profitability and performance can now access free and low-cost training under the CLP Government’s Flexible Skills and Training Response program.

A skilled workforce is vital to business success, but many Territory businesses face barriers to accessing training, including strict eligibility rules, high costs, and inflexible delivery schedules.

Building a bigger, better workforce is a key priority under the CLP Government’s Rebuilding the Economy: NT Economic Strategy 2025, and this program delivers on that commitment.

Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill said the program is designed to overcome these barriers by delivering affordable training tailored to business needs.

“Small to medium businesses are the engine room of the Northern Territory economy – they are drivers of job creation, innovation, and economic diversification,” Ms Cahill said.

“This program recognises the need to build a workforce with the skills and capabilities needed to grow Territory businesses and rebuild the economy.

“Providing flexible training options is an enabler for business growth, increased employment, and a workforce the Territory needs both now and into the future.”

The Flexible Skills and Training Response program includes a series of face-to-face workshops addressing priority skills and development needs for Small to Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in the Territory.

Workshops are targeted at business owners and senior managers of Territory-based SMEs.

Seven providers have been registered under the program and will deliver workshops on topics including AI and automation, financial literacy, de-escalation training, crime prevention through environmental design, ICT systems, tender writing, and procurement skills.

Training will be delivered across every city centre and a number of remote communities over the next 6–12 months.

Michael Hawkes, Managing Director of Captovate, one of the registered providers, said the program directly responds to what local businesses are telling us they need. 

“We understand that the world of AI can feel overwhelming for many. Our aim through these workshops is to demystify AI and empower local businesses to innovate, stay competitive, and lead the way in a rapidly evolving digital economy.”

For more information or to attend a training session in your region, visit the website.

Source: Northern Government Newsroom

As part of its year of action, certainty and security, the Finocchiaro CLP Government has today announced the establishment of a Territory Procurement Champion position to support local businesses to grow.

Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill said the Territory Procurement Champion is a key part of the CLP Government’s reform agenda to redesign how procurement governance, advocacy and assurance services are delivered to better support local business.

A significant reform program to modernise government procurement practices will be rolled out across 2025 and 2026. The program aims to reduce unnecessary red tape, making government procurement more efficient for all stakeholders, and drive economic growth in the Territory.

From 1 July 2025, the Buy Local Industry Advocate (BLIA) contract will come to a natural end, coinciding with the retirement of the current BLIA, Mr Denys Stedman. The role will not be renewed.

“I want to acknowledge and thank Mr Denys Stedman, who was appointed as the inaugural BLIA in 2018,” said Ms Cahill.

“Mr Stedman’s role championed fair, full and reasonable opportunities for Territory businesses to compete for government contracts.

“I thank him for his hard work and strong advocacy in improving procurement outcomes for local businesses.”

“These procurement reforms are part of the CLP Government’s plan to rebuild the economy and make the Northern Territory the best place in Australia to do business.”

The Buy Local Plan will remain in place to support local businesses to tender for and win government work.

With the cessation of the BLIA role, the Territory Procurement Champion position will be responsible for handling procurement complaints at arm’s length and engaging businesses and government to drive more local procurement outcomes.

An Expression of Interest process will open on 23 June 2025 and close on 14 July 2025.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

 INPEX Australia has given its strongest indication yet that it may pursue a stake in the long-delayed Greater Sunrise gas project, with the company’s Vision 2035 strategy aligned toward expanding LNG infrastructure in Darwin.

Speaking at the Energy Club WA in Perth, INPEX Australia's Senior Vice President Corporate, Bill Townsend, confirmed the company is actively seeking new gas feedstock to backfill its Ichthys LNG operations in Northern Australia and meet rising energy demand from Asian markets particularly Japan and Taiwan.

Townsend also described LNG as a "deployable now" solution for rapidly growing markets such as Vietnam and Indonesia—comments that, perhaps unintentionally, cast the Greater Sunrise Gas Field in a new strategic light. The undeveloped field, holding an estimated 5.1 trillion cubic feet of gas and 226 million barrels of condensate, lies north-west of Darwin, which is close to INPEX's Ichthys LNG project. 

Australia now accounts for a large chunk of INPEX's global revenue, and the company is expanding its footprint.  

INPEX has participated in the Sunrise Joint Venture's Development Concept Study process since February 2023.

In May 2024, INPEX opened a Timor-Leste office and held high-level talks with Minister Agio Pereira, reaffirming its interest in Sunrise and signalling a willingness to contribute capital and technical leadership. 

While INPEX has yet to formally declare its intent to join the Woodside-led Sunrise venture or file a production sharing application, Townsend's focus on supporting Indo-Pacific energy security suggests the company is firming up policy conditions to enable further Japanese investment. 

He emphasised INPEX's credibility, citing more than $60 billion invested in Ichthys LNG, and its strategic importance as a Japanese government-backed energy provider to the Indo-Pacific region. 

With Timor-Leste reiterating its openness to foreign participation and newly admitted into ASEAN, analysts say a regulatory breakthrough could shift momentum rapidly.

A spokesperson for INPEX told Energy News Bulletin: "We understand the imperative to providing the most meaningful benefits to the people of Timor-Leste."

Source: Energy News Bulletin

Santos says Barossa remains on track for first gas by Q3 2025, just two days after Middle East O&G giant ADNOC lobbed its $32 billion takeover bid — as the BW Opal FPSO sails into position 285km north of Darwin. 

The Barossa field is considered a strategic prize for ADNOC, offering 3.7 million tonnes a year of LNG and a cost-competitive gateway into Asia-Pacific export markets. 

Santos and joint venture partners SK E&S and JERA have invested more than US$3.95 billion (A$6.07 billion) in the project to date.  

Now with drilling delays behind it, Santos reports five of six production wells are complete, the fifth is undergoing flow testing, and final completion is due this quarter.  

Meanwhile, 262km Gas Export Pipeline and 123km Darwin Pipeline Duplication, is in place. 

Santos CEO Kevin Gallagher described the FPSO's arrival as a "significant milestone" for the long-delayed project, which received final investment approval in 2018.  

"Barossa is a world-class asset and, together with Pikka Phase 1 in Alaska, is expected to deliver a 30% production uplift over the next 18 months," he said. 

The Barossa LNG volumes are largely contracted, with offtakers including Mitsubishi's Diamond Gas, Hokkaido Gas, Shizuoka Gas, TotalEnergies and mining giant Glencore. Gallagher has reiterated that Barossa remains on track to be delivered within its US $4.6–5.8 billion cost guidance, despite legal challenges and earlier delays. 

A $1 billion life extension of the Darwin LNG plant, required to process Barossa gas, is 90% complete.  

The upgrade has supported about 300 jobs and is expected to deliver $100 million annually in supply and service opportunities to Northern Territory businesses. 

Source: Energy News Bulletin 

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is driving development in Central Australia, with the first shipment of Direct Shipping Ore (DSO) from Avenira Limited’s Wonarah Phosphate Project set to proceed following the grant of a Deemed Environmental Mining Licence, commonly known as a Mining Management Plan.

This approval will enable Avenira to advance development at Wonarah to produce up to 1.3 million tonnes of DSO, and the first shipment is expected later this year.

Phosphate is primarily used in the agriculture and fertiliser industries, but demand is growing as it becomes a key feedstock in electric vehicle battery and energy storage facilities.

The initial phosphate DSO will support agricultural productivity, while the future project phases will create opportunities for high-value downstream processing, manufacturing, and investment.

The CLP Government promised 2025 would be a year of action, certainty and security – and this milestone is a clear example of delivering on that commitment.

Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said the project would deliver long-term economic benefits for the Barkly region.

“The NT Government is laser-focussed on growing the Territory economy and promoting mining and attracting investment is a top priority,” Mr Maley said.

“We want to see more mining projects Avenira’s, move into production, which is why we are providing a regulatory and investment environment that helps get projects off the ground quickly and successfully.

“This project is expected to create up to 100 direct local jobs in Central Australia, with further indirect employment and infrastructure investments flowing from it.”

Located around 245km east of Tennant Creek, Wonarah Project is one of Australia’s largest undeveloped phosphate resources, with a potential mine life of 30-plus years.

Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment Joshua Burgoyne said the project is a strong example of balanced and responsible development.

“This is a great example of our government working with industry to streamline approvals while maintaining strong environmental protections,” he said.

“Projects like Wonarah are critical for the sustainable growth of our regions, and the approval reflects our commitment to efficient, transparent and responsible environmental regulation.”

Avenira Chairperson and Chief Executive Officer, Stephanie Yuan welcomed the milestone approval.

“We are pleased to receive approval of the Mine Management Plan supporting the Company’s proposed mining activities at Wonarah. This approval is a key step toward unlocking our plans to commence operations by Q4 2025,” she said.

“The DSO operations are an important step in the development of a downstream beneficiation plant and Yellow Phosphorus processing facility in the Northern Territory.

We would like to acknowledge and thank the Northern Territory Government for their support and we look forward to continuing our work together.”

Avenira Limited’s Deemed Environmental Mining Licence includes open pit designs and supporting roads and infrastructure.

Under the Environment Protection Act 2019 and the Environment Protection Regulations 2020, an environmental (mining) licence is required before mining activities can commence.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

Top End Energy is advancing its Northern Territory portfolio as the Beetaloo Sub-basin enters a new phase of multi-well development. The Company is positioning its exploration permits to align with the region’s emerging commercial activity.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Updated EP Work programs: Through its wholly owned subsidiary McArthur Energy Pty Ltd, TEE has updated work programs designed to capitalise on the growing momentum from ongoing appraisal and development activity
• Record Flow Testing in Beetaloo: Tamboran Resources has reported the highest 30-day initial production flow rate in the basin, on par with U.S. Marcellus shale benchmarks 1
• Key Position in Beetaloo: EP 153 and EP 154 are immediately north of Tamboran Resources’ EP98, with a strategic infrastructure advantage, being positioned adjacent to the Amadeus Gas Pipeline
• Beetaloo Enters Development: A decade on from its first unconventional discovery, Tamboran’s dual-rig drilling campaign and Beetaloo Energy’s (formerly Empire Energy) hydraulic stimulation program mark a pivotal shift - signalling the transition from appraisal to full-scale development

Source: Top End Energy

• Hydraulic stimulation has commenced on Beetaloo Energy’s Carpentaria-5H well in Beetaloo Basin permit EP 187
• Carpentaria-5H is the longest horizontal well in the Beetaloo Basin
• Over 60 stimulation stages are planned across the 3,310 metre (10,860 feet), 5 ½” cased horizontal section within the Velkerri B Shale
• The campaign is being conducted by Halliburton with a 42,000 hydraulic horsepower spread to implement a stimulation design with the following enhanced benchmarks:
• • ~100 bbl/minute pump rate
  • >50 bbl/ft slickwater stimulation fluid intensity
  • >2,400 lb/ft proppant (sand) intensity
• The stimulation is expected to take approximately four weeks to complete
• Following completion, Beetaloo Energy will undertake a ~30-day period of cleanup and soak, followed by a 30-day production test Beetaloo Energy expects to release IP30 flow rate results in late Q3 2025
• Carpentaria-5H forms part of the Carpentaria Pilot Project along with Carpentaria-2H and Carpentaria-3H wells that have been previously drilled and stimulated from the same well pad
• Beetaloo Energy’s cash at bank is $40.5 million

“The stimulation of Carpentaria-5H is an historic moment in the development of the Beetaloo Basin. This is the first well in the basin targeting a stimulation across a 3km (2 mile) horizontal section.

Horizontal drilling and hydraulic stimulation revolutionized the United States’ energy system, driving down energy prices and emissions intensity while stimulating economic activity. This is an opportunity that Australia now shares through the development of the Beetaloo Basin.

The Beetaloo Energy team is committed to playing a key role in providing increased gas supply to the Northern Territory market, then the Australian East Coast market, and ultimately the broader region. This, in the success case, will increase the reliability of our energy system, put downward pressure on energy prices and facilitate increased economic growth.

We look forward to sharing the results of the program with shareholders over the coming months.” Alex Underwood, Managing Director