Industry News

30 July 2026

• Beetaloo Energy and Halliburton have signed a non-binding MOU for the Beetaloo Digital vertically integrated data centre development opportunity in the Northern Territory

• Halliburton is a global leader in oilfield services, subsurface consulting, field development planning, drilling, completions and production optimisation, and power generation through its new Power service line. Through this MOU, Halliburton will provide strategic technical expertise and services to support the assessment and development of the upstream gas resource underpinning the Beetaloo Digital opportunity

• Halliburton also delivers scalable, power solutions for hyperscale data centres and AI infrastructure—combining global execution capabilities, modular gas-fired generation expertise, and proven operational excellence to deploy reliable power quickly and at scale '

• Beetaloo Energy has established Beetaloo Digital for the purpose of bringing together a world class coalition of specialist partners across pipeline, power generation and data centre development, with Beetaloo Energy providing the upstream gas supply.

The agreement represents another step in Beetaloo Energy's plan to assemble a coalition of specialist parties across upstream gas supply, power generation, pipeline infrastructure, and data centre development.

The project is anchored by Beetaloo Energy's Beetaloo Basin gas resource and a recently secured 185-hectare site at Weddell, near Darwin. Halliburton expects to provide expertise in upstream field development, integrated drilling services, and project execution.

"Following the Northern Territory Government's decision to grant us exclusivity over the Weddell site, we are committed to building a world-class consortium capable of delivering this opportunity," said Alex Underwood, CEO of Beetaloo Energy. "We are pleased to announce this MOU with Halliburton. The company brings a proven track record in oilfield services, engineering execution, and collaborative solutions, making it a valuable potential participant in the project."

Beetaloo Digital plans to generate new power capacity for the Northern Territory rather than draw from the existing grid. By intentionally building excess generation capacity, the project could provide a reliable, large-scale source of baseload electricity while supporting the rapid growth of data centres and AI infrastructure in the Asia-Pacific region.

"Hyperscale data centres and AI facilities operate continuously, creating durable and predictable demand. That demand profile supports long-term field development, accelerates upstream investment, and positions Beetaloo Digital as a potential large-scale, sustained cash flow generator for Beetaloo Energy,” concluded Underwood. The proposed project remains subject to concept studies, consortium formation, financing, and applicable government and regulatory approvals.

Beetaloo Energy CEO Alex Underwood signing the MOU with Halliburton COO, Shannon Slocum.

BEETALOO DIGITAL OVERVIEW

Beetaloo Energy Australia Limited (ASX: BTL) ("Beetaloo Energy" or "the Company") recently announced that the Northern Territory Government has granted the Company exclusivity over an area of contiguous land at Weddell, south-east of Darwin, for the proposed Beetaloo Digital integrated power and data centre development ("Beetaloo Digital"). Beetaloo Digital is a wholly owned subsidiary of Beetaloo Energy with the purpose of driving a vertically integrated infrastructure development anchored by Beetaloo Energy's gas resource in the Beetaloo Basin, Northern Territory.

The proposed development is intended to be delivered through a world-class consortium of specialist partners across pipeline, power generation and data centre development, with Beetaloo Energy developing the upstream gas supply. Beetaloo Energy continues to advance commercial discussions to secure a strongly aligned joint venture and will update the market as these negotiations progress.

Source: ASX Announcement

One of the world’s largest oilfield service companies employing roughly 55,000 people across more than 70 countries, has applied to build a major oil and gas support hub near Daly Waters.

Camden Smith

Business Reporter

@CamdenSmith1

July 21, 2026 - 1:09PM

Beetaloo Basin’s gas resource could power markets for over ‘200 years’

One of the world’s largest oilfield service companies, employing roughly 55,000 people across more than 70 countries, has applied to build a major oil and gas support hub near Daly Waters.

Halliburton, the company that built the Alice Springs to Darwin rail link, has lodged an application to construct and operate the Halliburton Beetaloo Facility within the Daly Waters Aerodrome precinct, delivering an integrated support  services hub for the Beetaloo Basin.

The proposed site is located approximately 600 metres from the aerodrome and 1.6km from Daly Waters township.

The application seeks to clear 21.36ha of land within NT Portion 339 for services including general warehousing and logistics, mechanical and heavy equipment servicing, industry treatment and materials processing, workforce accommodation and personnel recruitment and training.

The application seeks construction in four phases, with vegetation clearing carried out progressively as each phase is implemented beginning with 2.82ha, 1.83ha, 3.14ha and 13.56ha, totaling 31.36ha over four phases.

“The facility will be a support services base for storage, logistics, equipment servicing,materials processing, accommodation and personnel training,” the application said.

“Ensuring safe and efficient operations for the Beetaloo Basin and surrounding oil and gas developments. Daly Waters occupies a strategically important geographic position relative to current and future Beetaloo Basin exploration and development areas.

“The proposal provides an opportunity to consolidate oil and gas industry servicing activities with aviation-based support functions at a location that is already established and historically used for aviation purposes, thereby enabling efficient, orderly and lower-impact delivery of essential regional infrastructure.”

The proposed facility will be developed on fully sealed and bitumised surfaces and includes building footprints, internal access roads and hardstand areas; associated parking and service areas.

The application said native soils would not remain exposed or subject to erosion and the land would not be used in a manner where soil capability or land type influences environmental performance.

Once construction is complete, potential environmental risks associated with the proposal such as stormwater run-off, vegetation clearing and construction disturbance are not land-type dependent and can be adequately managed through engineering and stormwater management plans.

Halliburton has lodged a land clearing application.

AFP PHOTO / MIRA OBERMAN

“These risks are more appropriately addressed through design and management controls rather than land type mapping,” the application said. “Requiring a land type map for a development that results in permanent surface sealing would provide no meaningful additional environmental protection outcome.”

The Guidelines allow discretion where supporting studies do not materially inform decision-making or risk mitigation.

Source: Beetaloo Energy

·  Applications for the 2027 intake of Power and Water’s apprenticeship and water trainee program, carried out in partnership with training organisation GTNT, open on 1 August 2026.
 

· This is part of the Finocchiaro CLP Government push to grow our workforce and rebuild the Territory economy.
 

· Power and Water are looking for 8 apprentices with successful applicants starting in January 2027.

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is backing local talent and building the skilled workforce our growing economy needs, with applications for Power and Water's 2027 apprenticeship and water trainee program opening on 1 August.

Minister for Essential Services, Steve Edgington, said the apprenticeship and water trainee program was carried out in partnership with GTNT Group with 11 opportunities across the Territory.

“Growing our workforce is central to the CLP Government’s Rebuild the Economy Strategy, and investing in apprenticeships and traineeships is investing in the Territory’s future,” Minister Edgington said.

“Training the next generation of skilled workers is critical to delivering the essential services Territorians rely on every day.”

Power and Water are looking for 8 apprentices - Darwin (7) and Alice Springs (1), and 3 water operations trainees – Darwin (2) and Katherine (1). Successful applicants will start in January 2027.

Helen Marsh, a first-year apprentice from Tennant Creek, praised the apprenticeship program.

"Changing careers at 45 was a big decision, but I haven't looked back. I’ve gone from sitting behind a desk in administration to going up in a bucket truck as part of training. If you'd told me a year ago that's what I'd be doing, I probably wouldn't have believed you.

“Every day I'm learning something new. It's challenging, but that's exactly what I was looking for when I decided to take on the apprenticeship. It’s been an incredible opportunity for me, and I’d encourage anyone even slightly interested to go for it!”

Apprentices gain nationally recognised qualifications while working alongside experienced tradespeople on infrastructure and projects that support urban, rural and remote communities.

The success of the Power and Water apprenticeship and water trainee program was recognised this year, with 10 apprentices and trainees named as finalists in the 2026 GTNT Awards, including Power and Water’s Damien Aarons who took out Apprentice of the Year.

Power and Water Early Careers Program Advisor, Peter Morrison-Evans, said, “Every year we welcome a new cohort of apprentices and, as opportunities arise, water operations trainees into our Early Careers program. They bring curiosity, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives that strengthen our teams and help us continue to deliver essential services across the Territory.

“We've seen many apprentices and water operations trainees go on to build long and rewarding careers with us. Supporting that journey and watching people grow into skilled professionals is one of the best parts of the program."

To find out more about the apprenticeships, visit Power and Water’s early careers website.

To apply for an apprenticeship with Power and Water, visit the GTNT website. Applications close on 31 August 2026.

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

• Beetaloo Energy has launched Beetaloo Digital to progress a proposed large-scale integrated data centre opportunity in the Northern Territory cornerstoned by gas fired power

• The NT Government has granted Beetaloo Energy exclusivity over 185 hectares of contiguous land at Weddell, south of Darwin, for the proposed Beetaloo Digital integrated power and data centre development

• The land has been granted on an exclusive basis, giving Beetaloo Energy the certainty to secure consortium partners and progress pre-FEED studies

• The proposed development is intended to accelerate development of Beetaloo Energy’s Beetaloo Basin gas resource, creating a significant and durable domestic market, with the remaining capacity to be underpinned by the continuous energy demand of data centre operations.

• The proposed Beetaloo Digital development is located adjacent to the Northern Territory Government’s proposed Darwin Energy Hub. It has the potential to complement the Hub’s planned large-scale solar generation and battery storage by providing firm generation capacity to support renewable integration and reliability across the Darwin–Katherine electricity system.

• Global data centre demand is significant, and Darwin is strategically located close to critical communications infrastructure and Asia Pacific markets

• This proposal has the potential to create a significant new domestic gas market for Beetaloo Energy with each GW of compute power campus requiring up to 200 TJ / day of gas for power generation

• The proposed development is subject to completion of concept studies, securing consortium partners and applicable government and regulatory approvals

“The NT Government’s grant of exclusivity over strategically located land at Weddell is a milestone for Beetaloo Energy and for the Northern Territory. The Weddell site gives us a strong foundation to advance discussions with potential consortium partners, scale, proximity to existing and planned infrastructure, and Beetaloo Energy’s significant gas resources. Beetaloo Digital does not propose to consume power from the Northern Territory grid, we intend to add to it. We intend to overbuild gereration capacity, providing the NT the potential to gain a reliable, large-scale baseload electricity source as a direct outcome of this development. As such, this project is aligned with the Prime Minister’s recently announced Data Centre grid mandate requirements. Darwin's proximity to Asia-Pacific markets, its subsea cable connectivity, and the Northern Territory Government's backing make this an infrastructure opportunity that we believe is unmatched anywhere in the region. Beetaloo Digital will seek to establish a consortium of world-class partners across data centre development, power generation and pipeline infrastructure. Our proposal has the potential to create a significant new domestic gas market for Beetaloo Energy while supporting long-term economic development in the Northern Territory. Hyperscale data centres and AI factories operate continuously, creating a durable, predictable demand profile that underpins long-term field development, accelerates upstream investment, and positions Beetaloo Digital as a potential sustained, large-scale cash flow generator for Beetaloo Energy.”  Alex Underwood, Managing Director Beetaloo Energy

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said Beetaloo Digital’s proposal reflected strong interest from the sector in developing data centres in the Territory. “Data centre proponents are keen to talk to us because of the promise of reliable and affordable Beetaloo gas-to-power supported by renewables and because of how close and connected we are to major Asian markets and digital superpowers.” The Chief Minister said. “The Territory has everything this country needs to be successful, including energy, digital capacity, defence, minerals and agriculture. In our year of growth, certainty and security, my Government will continue to make the Territory a competitive place to live, work, visit and invest.” The Honorable Lia Finnocchiaro MLA, Chief Minister of the Northern Territory

BEETALOO DIGITAL OVERVIEW

eetaloo Energy Australia Limited (ASX: BTL) ("Beetaloo Energy" or "the Company") is pleased to announce that the Northern Territory Government has granted the Company exclusivity over 185 hectares of contiguous land at Weddell, south-east of Darwin, for the proposed Beetaloo Digital integrated power and data centre development ("Beetaloo Digital"). Beetaloo Digital Pty Limited (“Beetaloo Digital”) a wholly owned subsidiary of Beetaloo Energy with the purpose of driving a vertically integrated infrastructure development anchored by Beetaloo Energy's gas resource in the Beetaloo Basin, Northern Territory. The proposed development is intended to be delivered through a world-class consortium of specialist partners across pipeline, power generation and data centre development, with Beetaloo Energy developing the upstream gas supply. The Company is advancing commercial discussions to secure a strongly aligned joint venture and will update the market as these negotiations progress. Top: Illustrative images of Data Centre with Gas Power Plant and Data Centre location Bottom: Site at Weddell where land has been granted.

LAND EXCLUSIVITY – WEDDELL, NORTHERN TERRITORY

The Northern Territory Government has granted the Company an exclusivity arrangement over the Weddell site. This arrangement provides Beetaloo Energy with the confidence to progress pre-FEED studies and secure consortium partners. The Weddell site is a greenfield parcel with no legacy constraints, suitable for multi-campus, phased development and providing full flexibility for infrastructure design. The site's proximity to Darwin's existing subsea cable landing infrastructure offers hyperscale operators direct, low-latency fibre connectivity to Asia-Pacific markets and is well-positioned relative to planned infrastructure connecting Darwin to the Beetaloo Basin including the Territory Energy Link which runs from the Beetaloo Basin to Darwin and immediately adjacent to the Weddell site. 

Source: ASX Announcement

• Finocchiaro CLP Government supporting proposed Beetaloo Digital Pty Ltd integrated energy and data centre development.
• Beetaloo Digital is proposing a hyperscale computing infrastructure project for AI, cloud computing and large-scale data processing, to be powered by up to 2GW of on-site gas-fired power generation.
• Energy generation will be fuelled by Beetaloo Energy’s gas, providing reliable electricity for Beetaloo Digital.

The Finocchiaro CLP Government has granted Beetaloo Digital an exclusive commitment over 185 hectares of land at Weddell, about 30km from Darwin.

This will give the company time to develop its plans for a massive project involving an integrated AI data centre and on-site gas-fired power generation, as the Territory continues to rise as a hub for digital infrastructure.

As many as a dozen data centre developers are eyeing the region, including Energy North’s Project Ares, a one-gigawatt project proposed for Murranji station in the Barkly region.

The Beetaloo Digital project, which Beetaloo Digital says has the potential to attract $40 billion in private investment at full development, will involve the construction of possibly two hyper-scale AI data centre campuses at Weddell.

They would be powered by up to 2GW of on-site power generation fuelled by Beetaloo gas.

It’s expected the project would create up to 5,000 construction jobs and as many as 350 long-term operational jobs, with the company focused on leveraging the Darwin and Palmerston workforce pool rather than relying on the FIFO model.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the Beetaloo Digital proposal highlighted the Territory’s prominence as the natural hub for data centre development.

“Data centre proponents are looking to the Territory because of the promise of reliable and affordable Beetaloo gas-to-power supported by renewables, and because of how close and connected we are to major Asian markets and digital superpowers,” the Chief Minister said.

“The Territory has the answer to everything this country needs to be successful, including energy, digital capacity, defence, minerals, and agriculture.”

Under the "not to deal" arrangement, the Government commits to give Beetaloo Digital the exclusive right to make plans for the 185ha site while the company progresses the project and investigates its feasibility.

The Chief Minister said the arrangement demonstrated her Government’s commitment to backing major investment proposals with potential to create jobs and grow the Territory economy.

“The Finocchiaro CLP Government is delivering political and regulatory certainty to rebuild the Territory economy,” the Chief Minister said.

“In our year of growth, certainty and security, my Government will continue to make the Territory the best place to live, work, visit and invest.”

Minister for Lands, Planning and Environment and Corporate and Digital Development Joshua Burgoyne said this was another example of the CLP turning potential into production.

“By providing this commitment of land, we are sending a clear message that the Territory is open for business and open for investment,” he said.

“This strategically located land close to nearby services and planned infrastructure connecting Darwin to the Beetaloo Basin provides Beetaloo Digital with greater certainty to continue investing in this significant energy and digital infrastructure opportunity for the Territory.”

Deputy Chief Minister and Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said the development aligned with the Territory’s role in strengthening the nation’s energy future.

“We have a unique advantage through our strategic proximity to the Beetaloo Basin, with first gas now just 50 days away, unlocking a long-term energy supply to power the technologies and industries of the future,” he said.

“Projects like Beetaloo Digital demonstrate that Territory gas is far more than energy and has the ability to enable other industries to grow. Reliable, affordable gas provides the foundation for digital infrastructure, new investment and drives future economic growth.”

Beetaloo Energy Managing Director Alex Underwood welcomed the Finocchiaro CLP Government’s commitment to supporting the development.

"Data centres are essential infrastructure for the digital economy, driving investment, innovation and new industry," Mr Underwood said.

"The Finocchiaro CLP Government's decision gives Beetaloo Energy the certainty to advance the next phase of this major project and strengthens the Territory's position as a future hub for digital infrastructure and investment."

Source: Northern Territory Government

• Tamboran Resources has successfully completed stimulation, cleanout and completion activities of the Shenandoah South 3H (SS-3H), -4H and -5H wells in the Northern Pilot Area of the Beetaloo Basin. Stimulation activities were conducted by the Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT) frac fleet.

• The program was the first three-well zipper stimulation and the largest campaign ever conducted in the Beetaloo Basin, with 178 stages placed across ~30,000 feet within the Mid Velkerri B Shale formation.

• The stimulation program averaged 6.7 stimulated stages per day, with Beetaloo records in pumping operations exceeding 20 hours per day and 12 stages delivered in a single day.

• Tamboran also successfully placed the first Beetaloo Red locally produced sand within 10 stages across the lateral section within the SS-4H well, with tracers deployed to evaluate stage performance relative to imported sand.

• The wells are planned to be tied into the Sturt Plateau Compression Facility (SPCF), where construction is nearing completion and commissioning activities will commence imminently. The project remains within the A$141 million (~US$97 million) (gross) budget. First gas sales to the Northern Territory Government remain on track for 3Q 2026.

• Tamboran has also commenced drilling activities of the SS-7H, -8H and -9H wells with the Helmerich & Payne (NYSE: HP) rig on the SS1 well pad. The three wells are planned to be stimulated during 2H 2026 and tied into the SPCF when required.

Tamboran Resources Corporation Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Todd Abbott, said:

“The successful completion of the SS-3H, -4H and -5H stimulation program is a significant achievement for Tamboran and for the Beetaloo Basin. Delivering the largest stimulation campaign in the basin's history, including records of 12 stages in a single day and pumping operations exceeding 20 hours per day, is a testament to the skill and dedication of our operational team and partners, including Liberty Energy.

“Importantly, we have also achieved the first successful placement of Beetaloo Red locally produced sand in the SS-4H well. Together with the efficiency records set during this program, these trials represent further progress down the cost curve, and we continue to identify opportunities to optimize and improve performance as we move toward development.

“With the SPCF construction on schedule and within budget, we remain on track to deliver first gas sales to the Northern Territory Government in 3Q 2026. This is a milestone that will mark the beginning of a new era of energy production from the Beetaloo Basin, with potential to supply large-scale gas volumes and deliver energy security to the Northern Territory, Australia and trading partners in the Asia Pacific region.”

To view the full ASX Announcement, click here.

Source: Tamboran Resources

• Chief Minister calls for tax reform and special migration zones for Northern Australia to stimulate population growth and increase skills base.
• Growing Northern Australia will ease growth pressures on the southern states.
• Australian dream 'still alive in Territory' for families wanting to own their own home.

Tax reform and special migration zones need to be rolled out for Northern Australia to stimulate population growth and increase skills while easing growth pressures on the southern states, according to Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro.

She told the NT News Future Northern Territory 2026 summit that the moves would help ease the housing, infrastructure and service crises in the major capitals, while building capacity in Northern Australia.

The Chief Minister said that the migration settings that were applied in the southern states did not work for the Territory and Northern Australia where population and skills growth were urgently needed.

The development in the Territory of major projects including Beetaloo gas, the Arafura Nolans rare earth mines project and the Northern Marine Complex required more skilled labour for the Territory.

“While the national conversation is raging about reducing migration, because the big southern cities are straining under housing and infrastructure pressure, the Territory is different to the rest of the country,” the Chief Minister said.

“I have often said that the Territory has the answer to everything this country needs to be successful, including energy, defence, minerals, and agriculture.

“National population and workforce challenges are no different. We can play our part in easing the population pressure down south. We want more people here.  We have the space, we have the jobs, and we have the welcoming spirit and can-do attitude to make it work.”

She said it was time for Canberra to understand that different population growth, migration and tax settings were needed in the north of the country.

“The Territory shouldn’t be treated like everywhere else when it comes to migration and population policy,” the Chief Minister said.

“Under today’s migration settings, Darwin is categorised as a regional area like the Gold Coast – as if our circumstances, our labour market, and our strategic importance were the same. They are not."

She said that skilled migration filled job vacancies, turned new arrivals into Territory residents “who put down roots”, and built capacity in the North.

“We need a carve out for Northern Australia – settings built for the Territory, North Queensland, and North of WA - designed so people settle here and stay,” the Chief Minister said.

“This is essential if the nation is to kickstart growth, and be secure, successful, and prosperous in the 21^st century.”

The Chief Minister said the Zone Tax Offset, created to help Australians build the north, had effectively sat frozen for 30 years and not kept up with inflation. Today it is worth $338 dollars a year.

“Just like with migration, we need special carve outs on taxation to support investment, trade, and develop in strategic regions and industries,” she said.

“Almost every developed economy on earth uses special economic zones to accelerate economic development in areas of strategic importance.

“Australia does not. The north is where that should change, within the Constitution’s limits.”

The Finocchiaro CLP Government was focussed on attracting major investments, driving a jobs boom and bringing more people to “stay here for good” with more affordable housing and the Government’s $50,000 and $30,000 Fresh Start grants.

“The Australian dream is still alive in the Territory,” the Chief Minister said.

“While it has been priced out of southern capitals, here we have homes that young families can afford.

“It’s also one of the most liveable places in the country, with our famous Territory lifestyle.

“Darwin is the only capital city in Australia where you can earn good money, send your kids to great schools, have a big and affordable family home with enough space for a garden, a shed, and a fishing boat, and live within a 20 minute or less commute to work.”

She said the Government was unwinding “Labor’s crime crisis” and restoring the famous Territory lifestyle.

Source: Northern Territory Government

While unique and special, with huge volumes of as-yet untapped gas resources, the Northern Territory (NT) cannot be relied upon to prop up Australia's east coast market by being roped into the government's proposed gas reservation scheme.

That's according to Stephanie Berlin, the CEO of the Energy club NT, speaking today at an industry lunch in Darwin.

"A 20% reservation policy applied nationally is great on paper, but the reality is that Northern Territory is quite unique.

Stephanie Berlin | Credits: ENB

"I know we've banged on about how special and unique we are, but energy markets rely geographically on infrastructure, and essentially the NT just doesn't have the infrastructure to send gas to the east coast," she said, before suggesting the federal government could consider increased investment to provide the necessary infrastructure.

Also speaking in the Territory, Beetaloo Energy's MD Alex Underwood agreed.

Alex Underwood | Credits: ENB

"If you try to force 20% of territory production to go east, there simply isn't enough pipeline capacity in place anyway.

"We've been calling for some time for the federal government to seriously consider investing in that pipeline infrastructure to accelerate the production of those pipelines to Australia's east coast."

Berline's and Underwood's comments come as the NT government and gas industry has sent a defiant message to Canberra that the gas reservation scheme is a non-starter for the Territory unless it can support a major pipeline to transport gas from the vast Beetaloo Basin to the east coast.

Today the NT's Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro was expected to announce the government will move management of the Beetaloo to the Department of Chief Minister and Cabinet, a sign of its importance to the Territory.

However, while a pipe is definitely needed in the minds of the Territorians' leaders, the imminent opening up of the Beetaloo could change the dynamics of the whole issue.

"The reality is, with the Beetaloo sub-basin coming online and the quantum of gas that is in that basin, it really becomes irrelevant," said the Territory's trade, business and Asian relations minister Robyn Cahill.

Robyn Cahill. | Credits: ENB

"We could not use all the gas in this basin if we tried within the next 200 years…We are saying to the Australian government: we have the solution for Australia's energy security well into the future," she while on a visit to Tamboran Resource's Shenandoah South gas site.

"What we really need is a commitment to infrastructure, pipelines – we need to get that gas to the east coast, we need investors to come here."

NT planning minister Josh Burgoyne agreed, adding: "The resources we have here in the Northern Territory can power this country into the future.

Joshua Burgoyne | Credits: CLP

"But we can't do it without a pipeline. It's one thing to bring in a policy; we need a pipeline."

Source: Energy News Bulletin

Santos will drill three production ready wells at its Beetaloo Basin prospect during the next year, as the monetisation of the Territory’s gas rich province moves closer.

Tamboran Energy alone has invested more than one-billion dollars shoring up the Beetaloo Basin for production, with other large-scale investors looking to get cash flowing in as the gas flows out.

Energy panel delegates at NT News’ Future symposium called for additional pipeline infrastructure and urged caution about a gas reservation policy, while spelling out the economic benefits the Beetaloo will deliver Territorians, the nation and region.

Tamboran Resources chief financial officer Eric Dyer said the United States experience when preparing for onshore prospects is “plan earlier, faster and larger”.

“We can look at what it’s going to do for jobs, for downstream industries, for ports, for infrastructure, for power, to power data centres, for fertilisers,” he said. “There’s so many opportunites here that all we have to do is one foot in front of the other, and I think everyone else who’s investigating while we’re investing, they’ll build there.”

Weeks away from the official opening of the Sturt Plateau Pipeline connecting Tamboran’s Shenandoah South field with the Amadeus pipeline to Darwin, builder APA’s executive general manager, gas transmission and storage Sean Fleming said the company wants to build an east-west connection.

“APA’s been very focused and there’s been quite a bit of development expenditure to get the North-East Australia Pipeline concept, a large diameter, 1000 terabyte PCF a day pipeline from the heart of the Beetaloo over to a strong point on the east coast gas grid.

“From there it can go to the big domestic units down in Sydney and Melbourne, along with further investment that we’re making in the east coast to make that happen. The biggest users on the east coast ... is through the homes, and that brings the scale. If the Beetaloo happens affordably, we bring it on at scale. We’re not ignoring the north (but) we want it to be multi-user and well-built and well-sized.

“We’ve done a lot of due diligence to get ourselves comfortable, APA has spent over $100m on developing our energy now, which is a lot for an infrastructure player.”

Energy Club chief executive Stephanie Berlin urged caution from the Commonwealth before a 20 per cent gas reservation policy was applied to the Northern Territory, given its lack of connectivity with the east coast.

“The Northern Territory doesn’t have the infrastructure in place to send gas to the east coast,” she said. “We also rely on our own domestic energy supply and have a self-regulated energy market. Unless the federal government wants to throw some money into increasing our (energy) infrastructure ... but we can’t do it alone.”

Santos chief operating officer Brett Darley questioned the introduction of “retrospective” gas reservation on customers. “Not actually knowing what the ground rules are, people are always hesitant,” he said.

Uncertainty, however, hasn’t impeded the company’s exploration phase. “In the next year, we’re going to build three wells, and these aren’t exploration wells, they’re development wells. We’re going to try and drill exactly what we would do for a full-scale development.”

Darwin Port chief executive Peter Dummett said as part of the masterplan, the asset has projects totalling up to $220m awaiting progression, including $120m for storage sheds.

“The challenge around that is a business case, and with $120m for storage sheds, that’s a lot of guaranteed throughput to get a return on that investment. When I get a successful business case together I can present that to the board, and we can get approval.”

Source: The NT News

• More than 160 global business leaders, investors, and decision-makers from 12 countries have gathered in Darwin for the 2026 Northern Territory Investment Summit.
• Now in its second year, the Summit is showcasing the Territory’s pipeline of investment-ready projects across energy, critical minerals, defence, agriculture, tourism, and advanced manufacturing.
• A globally connected Territory economy means more investment, more jobs, and more opportunities for Territorians.

The Finocchiaro CLP Government has brought the world to Darwin this week, with more than 160 invited business leaders, investors, and government decision-makers from 12 countries gathering for the 2026 Northern Territory Investment Summit.

The Summit comes at a pivotal moment, with the Territory rapidly emerging as one of Australia’s most strategically significant investment destinations – delivering the projects that matter to Australia’s future and the world’s growing demand for secure supply chains, energy security, and critical minerals.

Transformative projects including the Beetaloo Sub-basin, the Arafura Rare Earths Nolans Project and the Northern Marine Complex are reshaping the region and driving economic momentum.

The Beetaloo offers opportunities across exploration, development and long-term LNG offtake and is pivotal to Australia’s sovereign energy security, while Nolans positions the Territory as a reliable long-term supplier of the rare earths powering the industries of the future.

Over the week, delegates will explore opportunities across energy, defence, mining, agriculture, tourism, digital infrastructure, space, advanced manufacturing and maritime, and take part in a series of sector-focused roundtables.

The Summit builds on the Government’s proactive investor engagement, including the Minister-led Investor Roadshow to Japan, Korea, and Taiwan earlier this year, complemented by onshore engagement with Indonesia, Vietnam, and Singapore.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the Territory was open for business.

"Around the world, demand is surging for the very things the Territory holds in abundance and which we can reliably deliver," the Chief Minister said.

"Nations and investors alike are searching for jurisdictions that offer political certainty, stability, and trusted partnership – and they are finding that their search leads here."

Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill, said the Summit put Territory opportunities in front of the people who could back them.

“The Summit brings international investors, executives, and decision-makers together to see the scale of what’s transforming the Territory – energy, gas, critical minerals, and critical infrastructure – for themselves.

“For investors, the Territory offers what matters most: a trusted, stable, and globally competitive destination for long-term investment. This is a place of action, momentum, and delivery.”

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom