Industry News

Energy Club NT is pleased to spotlight member Territory Environmental, a Darwin-based, locally owned and Indigenous-owned environmental consultancy continuing to make its mark across the Northern Territory's energy and resources sector.

Photo: CPP Ranger Tree Tagging (supplied by Territory Environmental)

Over the past 12 months, Territory Environmental has secured several significant project engagements, demonstrating the capability and expertise of local businesses supporting major energy developments.

A key highlight has been its engagement by Beetaloo Energy Australia and WASCO Australia to deliver ecological pre-clearance surveys and fauna management services for the Carpentaria Pilot Project in the Beetaloo Basin.

The project involved surveying more than 500 hectares of proposed disturbance areas, supported by innovative digital field mapping, data collection and reporting tools to assist with environmental compliance and responsible project delivery.

Territory Environmental was also engaged by RPS AAP Consulting Pty Ltd to support baseline marine environmental surveys for INPEX Browse E&P Pty Ltd's Bonaparte Carbon Capture and Storage (BCCS) Assessment, contributing specialist local expertise to an emerging Australian CCS initiative.

With capabilities spanning ecology, marine science, contaminated land, groundwater and environmental approvals, Territory Environmental continues to invest in technology-driven solutions while supporting local employment, regional supply chains and sustainable industry development.

It's great to see Northern Territory businesses contributing their expertise to projects shaping the future of our energy sector.

Source: Julian Brown - Territory Environmental

For more information contact: Territory Environmental

• Finocchiaro CLP Government has reinstated temporary fuel relief for eligible contractors facing ongoing fuel price pressures.

• Relief applies to eligible invoices approved and paid from 1 October to the end of the year, and only while the terminal gate price exceeds $2 a litre.

• Support further backs Territory businesses, supporting local jobs and keeping projects moving as we rebuild the Territory economy.

The Finocchiaro CLP Government has reintroduced temporary fuel cost relief to support Territory contractors facing continued pressures due to fuel price volatility.

The Department of Logistics and Infrastructure will apply adjustments to eligible contracts where invoices are approved and paid between 1 October and 31 December 2026, while the terminal gate price exceeds $2 a litre, and fuel is a direct and material input to contract delivery.

Eligible contracts include construction, maintenance and services where fuel is a direct and material delivery cost that do not already include an inflationary mechanism.

The second phase follows the initial relief, which covered eligible invoices paid between 1 March and 30 June this year.

Minister for Logistics and Infrastructure Bill Yan said the latest relief would support contractors delivering work across the Territory.

“We are providing targeted, practical help for contractors facing continued fuel price pressures,” Minister Yan said.

“This will help road builders, earthmoving businesses, drainage contractors and other civil contractors working hard across the Territory.

“We are keeping the process simple so contractors can get on with delivering projects sooner, while ensuring taxpayer funds are spent responsibly.”

The Department will identify eligible invoices and calculate adjustments centrally, meaning contractors generally do not need to lodge a separate fuel claim.

Contracts with applicable fuel price adjustment provisions will use those arrangements instead of the separate temporary payment process.

Civil Contractors Federation NT CEO Greg Troughton backed the Government’s renewed support for contractors.

“Fuel costs have a direct impact on civil contractors and their ability to deliver work across the Territory,” Mr Troughton said.

“Bringing this relief back shows the Government understands the continued pressure on Territory civil contractors and is willing to work with industry to help.”

The measure is temporary and does not change existing contract risk allocation or create an ongoing contractual entitlement. Existing centralised calculation, approval, register and audit controls remain in place.

The Government will continue to monitor market conditions.

Further information is available at dli.nt.gov.au/industry or by emailing fuelmeasure.dli@nt.gov.au.

Source: NT Government Newsroom

Today, the Bonaparte CCS Joint Venture (INPEX Browse E&P Pty Ltd 53% as Operator; TotalEnergies CCS Australia Pty Ltd 26%; and Woodside Energy Ltd 21%) announced it has commenced front-end engineering design (FEED) work, marking a major step towards the development of the Bonaparte Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Project, located in the Bonaparte Basin, approximately 250 kilometres offshore Darwin, Australia.

As the project progresses into FEED, INPEX and Woodside have agreed that INPEX will acquire Woodside’s interest in the Bonaparte CCS Project.

The Bonaparte CCS Joint Venture was formed in 2022 to appraise greenhouse gas storage assessment acreage (title G-7-AP) and has since progressed an extensive technical and appraisal program supporting one of Australia’s most advanced offshore CCS opportunities.

INPEX Managing Director, Country Chair Australia, Tetsu Murayama, said entering FEED was an important milestone in developing the Bonaparte CCS Project.

“The Bonaparte CCS appraisal results are outstanding and have exceeded our expectations. Achieving FEED entry is a significant milestone and provides a clear demonstration of progress towards a final investment decision on the Bonaparte CCS Project, which has the potential to be one of the world's largest carbon storage developments.

“The Bonaparte CCS Joint Venture is progressing plans to transport and safely store carbon dioxide (CO₂) offshore northern Australia in the Bonaparte Basin which, subject to regulatory approvals, has a potential carbon storage capacity of up to 443 million tonnes over the life of the project.

“Leveraging world-class geological resources offshore the Northern Territory, existing energy infrastructure and proximity to major regional markets, the proposed Bonaparte CCS Project has the potential to underpin a strategic regional low-carbon hub,” Mr Murayama said.

The Bonaparte CCS Project became the first offshore CCS project to be awarded Major Project Status by the Australian Government in mid-2025. The project also received Declaration of Identified Greenhouse Gas Storage Formation approval in October 2026.

First CO₂ injection is targeted for the early 2030s subject to regulatory approvals and commercial agreements. The Ichthys Joint Venture is expected to be the anchor customer.

The Bonaparte CCS Project has the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions from Ichthys LNG by around 40%, contributing to the decarbonisation targets articulated in INPEX Vision 2035.

INPEX Browse E&P Pty Ltd is transferring its interest to newly formed entity INPEX Bonaparte CCS Pty Ltd. This entity has also executed an agreement with Woodside Energy Ltd to acquire its participating interest (21%) in the Bonaparte CCS Project.

The acquisition will increase INPEX’s participating interest to 74% reinforcing its long-term commitment to advancing the project. The finalisation of both the acquisitions is subject to the fulfilment of certain conditions, including approval by Australian government regulatory agencies. INPEX, as Operator, acknowledges and thanks Woodside Energy for its valued contribution to the project during the assessment phase.

CCS has the potential to play an important role in helping Australia meet its decarbonisation targets, particularly for industries where emissions are difficult to eliminate through electrification or renewable energy alone. It can also support the development of lower-emissions energy and new industrial opportunities.

Source: INPEX

To view the full media release, click here.

Key Northern Territory Activity & Developments

Barossa Project & Darwin LNG:

• The Barossa project achieved steady production during the third quarter, operating alongside Darwin LNG, which recorded an impressive 98.5% reliability rate.
• Feed gas to Darwin LNG reached a new record peak of approximately 600 mmscf per day.
• During the quarter, ten LNG cargoes and two condensate cargoes were lifted from Darwin LNG.

Beetaloo Sub-Basin Exploration:

• Early results from the Jibera South 1 appraisal well showed that the shale layers run consistently across the area. All three main layers hold thick, gas-rich rock, with the Velkerri C shales performing better than expected, and the A and B shales meeting pre-drill expectations.
• This supports confidence in a 'cube' approach (developing all three layers simultaneously) to unlock more value from the acreage.
• Early in the fourth quarter, the pilot hole was drilled to a total depth of 3,457 metres, with drilling rates matching best-in-basin benchmarks.

To view the full ASX announcement, click here. 

To view the 2026 Third Quarter Report Data Tables, click here.

Source: santos.com

Founded in Darwin in 2019, Fuel Drop has grown into an established Northern Territory fuel supply and logistics business, delivering reliable, tailored solutions to the mining, energy, construction and remote infrastructure sectors. 

Operating 24/7, Fuel Drop specialises in onsite refuelling, bulk fuel supply, self-bunded fuel storage, fuel farms, smart fuel management systems and end-to-end fuel logistics.

From small-scale operations to major mining and infrastructure projects, Fuel Drop delivers turnkey storage solutions and fuel supply designed to minimise downtime, improve efficiency and ensure critical operations running. 

With a growing fleet, expanding bulk fuel storage capabilities and innovative Fuel-as-a-Service (FaaS) solutions, Fuel Drop continues to invest in technology, infrastructure and partnerships supporting the Territory's development. 

Fuel Drop is proud to join Energy Club NT and looks forward to building strong industry relationships and contributing to the continued growth of the Northern Territory's energy and resources sectors. 

• Carpentaria-5H IP30 flow test was completed, achieving a peak flow rate exceeding 14 TJ/day, a 30-day average of 6.9 TJ/day and an exit rate of 6.7 TJ/day, demonstrating sustained gas production performance.

• Construction of the Carpentaria Gas Plant continued to progress, with the Carpentaria Pilot Project tracking on schedule and budget for commissioning in Q4 2026.

• Acquisition of the 236-kilometre Western Beetaloo Birdum Creek 2D Seismic Survey was completed across EP167 and EP168 to support future horizontal well planning.

• Beetaloo Digital was launched following the Northern Territory Government's grant of exclusivity over approximately 185 hectares at Weddell for a proposed integrated gas-to-power and data centre development.

• Non-binding Memoranda of Understanding were signed with Halliburton and Australian Gas Infrastructure Group to progress technical and infrastructure assessments for the proposed Beetaloo Digital development.

• The Company received its FY2025 Research and Development Tax Incentive refund during the quarter, comprising $19.4 million in rebate including interest, further strengthening liquidity during the quarter.

• Total liquidity at the end of the Quarter was $113.2 million comprising $51.7 million in cash and $61.5 million in undrawn financing facilities. 

To view the full ASX announcement, click here. 

Source: Beetaloo Energy Australia

• Mr. Todd Abbott has been appointed as Managing Director of Tamboran Resources Corporation, in addition to his role as Chief Executive Officer, effective today.
• Mr. Abbott has more than 25 years of upstream oil and gas experience spanning unconventional shale operations, strategy, infrastructure, business planning and corporate finance.
• The appointment follows Mr. Abbott’s appointment as Chief Executive Officer in January 2026 and formalizes his executive leadership at the Board level as the Company moves from the appraisal phase into development.

Tamboran Resources Chair, Richard Stoneburner, said:

“The Board is pleased to appoint Todd as Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer as Tamboran

advances its strategy of supplying natural gas from the Beetaloo Basin to the Northern Territory, Australia’s East Coast and Asia Pacific gas markets.

“Todd brings more than two decades of upstream experience with a strong record of safety, operational and strategic leadership and capital discipline. We look forward to Todd continuing to lead the Company through its next phase of growth.”

Tamboran Resources Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Todd Abbott, said:

“It is an honor to be appointed Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Tamboran, and I thank the Board for its continued support.

“This appointment comes at an exciting and transformative time for the Company. The last few months have been a pivotal period for Tamboran and the Beetaloo Basin, highlighted by the achievement of first gas sales from the Beetaloo to the Northern Territory gas market.

“I look forward to leading Tamboran through our next phase of growth, as we move from the de-risking phase into the development of this world-class asset.”

The material terms of Mr. Abbott’s appointment are unchanged and are set out in the ASX announcement released on January 12, 2026.

Source: Tamboran ASX Announcement

Tamboran ASX Announcement 19.10.26.pdf

• Round 2 of the Cyber Invest Business Program is now open, supporting Territory businesses to strengthen cyber security and improve resilience.
• Funding has doubled from $10,000 to up to $20,000 per financial year, covering up to 50 per cent of eligible project costs.
• The grants help businesses strengthen resilience, protect critical information and operate with greater confidence in an increasingly digital world.

As Cyber Security Awareness Month highlights the importance of building stronger digital resilience, the Finocchiaro CLP Government is backing Territory businesses to strengthen their cyber defences.

Round 2 of the Cyber Invest Business Program provides grants of up to $20,000 per financial year to support eligible small and medium-sized businesses, helping cover the cost of practical cyber security improvements that protect operations, customer information and business data.

Minister for Corporate and Digital Development Joshua Burgoyne said as technology increasingly becomes part of everyday life, investing in cyber security has never been more important.

“Our Government is giving more Territory businesses the opportunity to reduce risk, protect customer and business information, and the confidence to grow into the future,” he said.

Funding is available across four key areas: cyber foundations, cloud security, Essential Eight uplift, and managed cyber security services. Applicants can now choose a Territory-based cyber security or ICT provider that suits their needs, opening the funding to more businesses.

Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill said a secure business environment was essential to a productive, resilient and competitive business sector.

"Businesses are the backbone of our economy, and ensuring they are protected from cyber risks helps create the certainty they need to invest, expand, and create local jobs," she said.

"Strong cyber security is increasingly important for businesses engaging with customers, supply chains and markets across Australia and internationally.”

The grants have been welcomed by Territory businesses and organisations, helping them strengthen their cyber security, protect against online threats and improve security measures.

Gold Medal Services Director Jackie Maclean said: “Gold Medal Services greatly appreciates the support provided through the NT Government cyber security grant, which has assisted us in strengthening our cyber security and progressing our Essential Eight maturity level.”

Tick of Approval Building Certification Managing Director Elizabeth Ashton said: “Being a small business, I now have a level of comfort knowing we have the necessary security measures in place to protect our business against common cyber threats.”

Relationships Australia NT Chief Executive Officer Terri-Ann Maney said: “For our organisation, the program has been a valuable opportunity to strengthen our cybersecurity in a practical and meaningful way.”

Tracy Village Social and Sports Club Vice President Rob Miller said: “Our experience with the whole grants process has been simple, easy, and stress free, with help and follow up from the grants staff readily available.”

Applications can be made through GrantsNT and close on 15 January 2027, unless available funding is allocated earlier.

Source: Northern Territory Governement

Click here: Cyber NT Website

The Bonaparte CCS 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’s declaration of identified greenhouse gas storage formation for the Bonaparte Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) Project.

This is the first declaration in Australia for an offshore saline aquifer storage site, and it represents a landmark achievement for the Bonaparte CCS Project. It establishes the technical viability of the potential storage site that has been assessed by the Bonaparte CCS Joint Venture for greenhouse gas injection and storage operations.

INPEX Managing Director, Country Chair Australia, Tetsu Murayama, said the approval represented a significant milestone in the continued advancement of the Bonaparte CCS Project and reflected the extensive technical work undertaken to date.

“The Bonaparte CCS Project has the potential to be one of the world's largest carbon storage developments, and over time support a strategic regional low-carbon hub leveraging Australia’s world-class offshore geological resources, existing energy infrastructure and proximity to major regional markets such as Japan and Singapore.

“This approval represents an important milestone for the Bonaparte CCS Project and reflects the rigorous assessment of the storage site undertaken as part of the broader regulatory process.

“Continued support for the timely progression of regulatory and environmental assessment and approval processes will be critical to advancing the Bonaparte CCS Project and supporting emissions reduction efforts in northern Australia and the IndoPacific region,” Mr Murayama said.

The approval builds on recognition of the Bonaparte CCS Project as the first Australian offshore CCS project to receive Major Project Status from the Australian Government in 2025 and demonstrates continued progress along its development pathway.

Pre-Front-End Engineering and Design (Pre-FEED) work commenced in April 2025 with first carbon dioxide (CO₂) injection targeted for the early 2030s, subject to regulatory approvals and commercial agreements.

Ichthys Joint Venture is expected to be the Bonaparte CCS Project’s anchor customer. The Bonaparte CCS Project has the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions from Ichthys LNG by around 40%, contributing to the decarbonisation targets articulated in INPEX Vision 2035.

The Bonaparte CCS Joint Venture will continue undertaking the necessary technical, environmental, regulatory and commercial activities to progress development of the offshore storage site for the Bonaparte CCS Project which is located around 260 kilometres from Darwin.

CCS has the potential to play an important role in helping Australia meet its decarbonisation targets, particularly for industries where emissions are difficult to eliminate through electrification or renewable energy alone. It can also support the development of lower-emissions energy and new industrial opportunities.

Source: INPEX

To view the full media release, click here.

What does it take for Northern Territory businesses to be opportunity ready?

That question was at the centre of a panel discussion held at the 'Opportunity Ready: Preparing NT Business for What’s Next' event hosted by the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations, which brought together leaders from across the Territory’s energy, resources and services sectors.

Facilitated by Energy Club NT’s CEO Stephanie Berlin, the session began with presentations from each panellist, who shared project updates, emerging opportunities and practical insights into how collaboration can strengthen local participation and support project development.

The discussion then moved from the major-project horizon to the practical realities of securing work. Panellists explored what operators, proponents and procurement teams expect from suppliers; the capability gaps that can hold businesses back; and the systems, certifications, safety performance and responsiveness needed to compete with confidence.

A clear message emerged: being opportunity ready is about more than knowing which projects are coming. It means understanding and clearly communicating your capability, investing in strong business and management systems, building a reliable track record, and engaging early with prospective partners and customers.

Collaboration was a recurring theme. Partnerships, joint ventures and stronger connections between local businesses, major contractors, project proponents, industry bodies and government can help Territory businesses scale, take on larger scopes of work and connect with global supply chains.

The panel also considered the workforce challenge ahead, including the importance of developing and retaining local talent, strengthening training pathways and making better use of the support, partnerships and resources already available across the sector.

Thank you to our panellists Martin White from Halliburton, Edward Wong from Tamboran Resources, Nasser El-Malak from Altrad, Andrew Meaney from RAM Services and Dr Amber Jarrett from Minerals Council NT for sharing their perspectives, project insights and practical advice, and to everyone who joined the conversation.

The takeaway: prepare early, communicate capability clearly and collaborate proactively. The opportunities ahead are significant and readiness will determine who is best placed to participate.