Industry News

Santos today announced an updated capital allocation framework that will target returns to shareholders of at least 60 per cent of all-in free cash flow from 2026, following a period of major capital investment to bring significant new production online from the Barossa and Pikka projects.

In addition, Santos announced a carbon storage growth target to build and operate a commercial carbon storage business that would permanently store approximately 14 million tonnes of third-party CO2e per annum by 2040.[1]

The target is equivalent to around 50 per cent of Santos’ 2023 equity Scope 3 emissions from the combustion and use of our products.

The successful startup of Santos’ 1.7 million tonnes per annum Moomba Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) project last month, with the technology and reservoirs performing as expected, demonstrates the potential for future phases to provide safe, low-cost, permanent carbon storage for customers and hard-to-abate industries.

Speaking at the company’s Investor Day in Sydney, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer Kevin Gallagher said today’s announcement confirms Santos’ commitment to prioritise shareholder returns when new production comes online and to support the global energy transition while generating new revenue streams for the business.

“Santos has been unrelenting in sticking to its strategy and implementing its disciplined operating model,” Mr Gallagher said.

This continues to deliver strong production and project execution to backfill our infrastructure with highlights including:

• Angore wells in PNG now online with two wells successfully commissioned and connected, supplying up to 350 million standard cubic feet of gas per day to sustain PNG LNG production
• Commencing drilling of the highly prospective Hides Footwall structure
• Barossa now 84 per cent complete with first gas expected in third quarter 2025
• Pikka now ~70 per cent complete with first oil expected by the first half of 2026.

Santos’ world-class LNG portfolio is backed by long-term contracts with tier one buyers and flexible contract terms to provide risked upside potential.

“The proximity of our projects to Asian markets provides a significant shipping cost and emissions advantage compared to supply from east coast US and Middle East suppliers,” Mr Gallagher said.

“We are delivering on our strategy to develop upstream production to backfill and sustain our leading infrastructure position, decarbonise our operations and build a commercial carbon management services and low-carbon fuels business to meet future demand.

“With Barossa and Pikka coming online, Santos’ production is expected to increase by more than 30 per cent by 2027 compared to 2024, significantly lowering unit production cost which will support strong free cash flow generation throughout the commodity price cycle.

“The simplified capital allocation framework announced today reflects our commitment to prioritise shareholder returns following the company’s investment over recent years in new production from Barossa and Pikka.

“From 2026 we will return at least 60 per cent of all-in free cash flow to shareholders, and when gearing is below our target range of 15-25 per cent, 100 per cent of free cash flow will be returned to shareholders in the form of dividends and/or buybacks.

“The market outlook for LNG into Asia, domestic gas in Australia and liquids remains strong out to 2040 and beyond.

“2024 is set to be another peak consumption year for hydrocarbon fuels globally, making it increasingly clear that decarbonisation of their production and use is critical to the world’s net zero goals.

“Santos has a leading infrastructure and adjacent resource position that makes it well placed to meet ongoing demand with low-cost production.

“We have a wealth of backfill options to sustain production at our Gladstone and PNG LNG plants, which will be Santos’ top priority for future development capital – provided it fits within our capital allocation framework following the startup of Barossa and Pikka.

“These options include unlocking new geological plays in the Cooper Basin, which we have been appraising over the last few years, and prolific gas resources in the McArthur (Beetaloo) Basin shales in the Northern Territory as well as in the PNG Hela, Eastern Highlands and Gulf Provinces.

“Very importantly, our gas resources and LNG facilities are close to large-scale, relatively low-cost carbon storage resources and existing infrastructure that can be repurposed for CCS.

“The International Energy Agency’s Net Zero Emissions by 2050 (IEA NZE) scenario assumes that 70 per cent of global gas demand will be served with abated gas through CCS.

“We are extremely proud of the performance to date of the first phase of Moomba CCS that has now stored more than 150 thousand tonnes of CO2.

“Moomba CCS is groundbreaking as one of the world’s largest and lowest-cost CCS projects, dedicated to permanent CO2 storage.

“This first phase of Moomba CCS will safely and permanently store up to 1.7 million tonnes of CO2 per year, depending on CO2 availability.

“That is equivalent to 70 per cent of Australia’s total annual net emissions reduction in 2023.”[2]

“The IEA NZE scenario assumes more than 2.5 billion tonnes of CO2 will be stored globally each year by 2035, about 50 times more than today.

“The success of Moomba CCS to date and the strong outlook for CCS demand growth gives us a high level of confidence in setting our new carbon storage growth target to build and operate a commercial carbon storage business.

“With a strong balance sheet, line of sight to long-term, cash-generative production and a healthy portfolio of sustainable backfill and expansion options, I am confident Santos can continue to deliver superior value for shareholders over the long term,” Mr Gallagher said.

Guidance

There is no change to Santos 2024 production, unit cost and capital expenditure guidance.

Santos will provide 2025 guidance with our 2024 fourth quarter report in January 2025.

Live Webcast

A live webcast of the 2024 Investor Day will be available on the Santos website at www.Santos.com from 8.30am ACDT today.

[1] This is a target not a forecast and is a growth target for gross storage from Santos operated carbon storage projects. The target is ambitious and subject to substantial engineering, finance, commercial and policy work to establish enabling frameworks with customers, governments, regulators and other stakeholders. The potential projects that would enable achieving the target remain at an early phase of planning and commercial and economic viability is still to be confirmed.

[2] https://www.abs.gov.au/statistics/measuring-what-matters/measuring-what-matters-themes-and-indicators/sustainable/emissions-reduction

To view the full announcement '2024 Investor Day', click here.

Source: Santos

Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd. (TSXV: FO, AIM: FOG) is pleased to announce that the Shenandoah South 2H sidetrack (“SS2H ST1”) well has been cased and suspended at a total measured depth of 16,182 feet (4,932 metres) in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, Northern Territory, Australia. This includes a 5,906-foot (1,800-metre) horizontal section within the Amungee Member B-Shale, of which ~5,577 feet (1,700 metres) is planned to be stimulated with Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited’s (“Falcon Australia”) joint venture partner, Tamboran (B2) Pty Limited (“Tamboran B2”).

The decision to case and suspend SS2H ST1 comes following consultation with Tamboran B2 on the failure of a directional drilling tool while drilling the horizontal section. This decision avoids additional rig costs and will enable the immediate drilling of the Shenandoah South 3H (“SS3H”) well from the same well pad, which is planned to be drilled with a 10,000-foot (3,000 metre) horizontal section in the Amungee member B-Shale.

Following the drilling of the SS3H well, Liberty Energy will complete the stimulation of the SS2H ST1 and SS3H wells with 34 and 60 stages planned at the respective wells. Stimulation of both wells is expected to commence in Q1 2025 with 30 day initial production flow rates expected in the same period.

The successful stimulation of SS2H ST1 will create a drilling spacing unit of 20,480 acres.

Falcon Australia will continue its participation in both wells in the Shenandoah South Pilot Project at its elected participating interest of 5%.

To view the full announcement, click here.

Source: Falcon Oil & Gas Ltd.

EP 98 Operational Update: SS-2H ST1 well cased and progressing to SS-3H well

Highlights

• The Shenandoah South 2H sidetrack (SS-2H ST1) well has been cased and suspended at a measured depth of 16,182 feet (4,932 metres). This includes a 5,906-foot (1,800-metre) horizontal section within the Mid Velkerri B Shale, of which ~5,577 feet (~1,700 metres) is planned to be stimulated.

• Tamboran will immediately commence the drilling of the Shenandoah South 3H (SS-3H) well, which is planned be drilled with a ~10,000-foot (~3,000-metre) lateral section in the Mid Velkerri B Shale.

• Following the drilling of the SS-3H well, the Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT) stimulation equipment is expected to complete the SS-2H ST1 and SS-3H wells with at least 34 and 60 stages, respectively, commencing in 1Q 2025.

• Lessons learned from the Shenandoah South 2H (SS-2H) well were successfully incorporated in the drilling of the SS-2H ST1 well, which resulted in drilling rates of 1,240 feet per day (from spud of the sidetrack to total depth (TD), ~31% faster than the SS-2H well over the same interval.

• The Company remains on track to deliver IP30 flow rates from both the SS-2H ST1 and SS-3H wells during 1Q 2025.

Tamboran Resources Corporation Managing Director and CEO, Joel Riddle, said:

“Following consultation with our Beetaloo Joint Venture (BJV) partners, the decision was made to case and suspend the SS-2H ST1 well at a measured depth of 16,182 feet (4,932 metres), following the failure of a directional drilling tool while drilling the horizontal section.

“The decision to case the SS-2H ST1 well early will avoid additional rig costs and will enable the immediate drilling of the SS-3H well from the same well pad. Following consultation with our oilfield services provider, Tamboran expects an increased performance from the directional drilling tools that will be used in the SS3H well.

“Prior to the completion of drilling the SS-2H ST1 well, I was pleased to see our team successfully apply lessons from prior wells in the Beetaloo Basin and achieve record drilling rates of 1,240 feet drilled per day from spud of sidetrack to TD, 31% faster than the SS-2H well. We expect further learnings to be applied in the drilling of the SS-3H well.

“Importantly, Tamboran's geologic modeling of the Mid Velkerri B Shale continues to be validated, with a step-out of ~1,640 feet (~500 metres) from the original SS-2H well. The SS-2H ST1 well logged a consistent, high quality reservoir section with no faulting within the shale formation.”

To view the full ASX announcement, click here.

Source: Tamboran Resources

Carpentaria-5H drilling operations commence

Highlights

• Carpentaria-5H (“C-5H”) commenced drilling at 9.30am NT time on Saturday 16th November

• C-5H is expected to take approximately 45 days to drill and case

• C-5H is being drilled by the Ensign Rig #965 and will form part of the Carpentaria Pilot Project

• C-5H is designed to deliver higher gas production rates than previous wells and, subject to approvals, sale of gas into the NT local market

• After rig release C-5H will be hydraulically stimulated

• Cash at bank is $34 million 

Comments from Managing Director Alex Underwood:

"Empire has now reached the execution phase of our Carpentaria-5H operations.

This is an important milestone for our company and the Beetaloo Basin generally.

This well will be our first full-scale pilot development well, incorporating learning from the four wells that have previously been drilled successfully in EP187. The well design incorporates a larger well bore diameter targeting a 3,000m drilled and cased horizontal section. The larger well bore diameter will allow Empire to increase stimulation horsepower, proppant concentration and water concentration, with a goal of producing higher gas flow rates than in previous wells.

Our planning for the installation of the Carpentaria Gas Plant is progressing with a goal of commencing the sale of gas from EP187 in 2025.

We look forward to updating shareholders as drilling operations continue.”

To view the full ASX announcement, click here.

Source: Empire Energy Group

Northern Territory Government environmental approval for the Carpentaria Pilot Project received.

Highlights

The Northern Territory Government has approved Empire’s Environment Management Plan (“EMP) for the Carpentaria Pilot Project

The EMP provides all environmental approvals for the Carpentaria Pilot Project including up to 9 new wells, installation of the Carpentaria Gas Plant, and above ground process facilities with access to the McArthur River Pipeline for export of gas to markets

Final regulatory approval for the Carpentaria Pilot Project to proceed is the sale of gas under the Beneficial Use of Test Gas provisions of the NT Petroleum Act. Stakeholder consultation processes are well advanced

Carpentaria-5H (“C-5H”) drilling is expected to commence imminently. Ensign Rig #965 is now on location

Comments from Managing Director Alex Underwood:

"The Empire team continues to progress towards pilot production from the Beetaloo Basin, which will provide much needed gas supply for the people of the Northern Territory under the gas sales agreement Empire signed with the NT Government earlier this year.

This regulatory approval aligns with the NT Government’s support for Empire and the development of the broader Beetaloo Basin, which is expected to create thousands of jobs, put downward pressure on energy prices across the NT and Eastern Australia, and has the potential to drive a resurgence of manufacturing in the Northern Territory.

The Empire team is progressing the final remaining approvals required to sell gas produced from the Carpentaria Pilot Project under the NT Petroleum Act’s Beneficial Use of Test Gas provisions".

To view the full announcement, click here.

Source: Empire Energy Group

Territorians are encouraged to have their say on the draft Territory Coordinator Bill, which will re-define the way business is done in the Northern Territory.

The Territory Coordinator delivers on a commitment made to Territorians at both the 2020 and 2024 elections.  

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the Territory Coordinator was an independent statutory officer, streamlining coordination for projects of significance, and enhancing the Territory’s economic competitiveness.

“Territorians have given us the job to deliver change for the better and this economic reform will enable the Territory to focus on our key economic strengths in mining, energy, agriculture, tourism and defence as we rebuild the Territory’s economy,” she said.

“This economic reform will be the most widely consulted on piece of game-changing legislation in a decade.

“Not only have we put out a public discussion paper to help inform the draft Bill, the next three months will be spent consulting and refining the draft Bill so it is ready for introduction in the February 2025 sittings of Parliament. 

“The draft Bill will then be referred to the Legislative Scrutiny Committee for additional oversight before coming before Parliament in March for debate.

“Consultation on the draft Bill is open to all Territorians and I encourage them to have their say on this important reform.”

Mrs Finocchiaro also today announced long-term Territorian Stuart Knowles as the interim Territory Coordinator.

“Stuart has extensive experience across both private and public sectors and brings a wealth of local knowledge through his deep connections and understanding of the Northern Territory’s unique challenges and opportunities,” she said.

“As interim Territory Coordinator, he will get straight to work on establishing the office so it is ready to hit the ground running Q2 2025.”

The public’s feedback on the draft Bill will help shape the final functions and powers of the Territory Coordinator, ensuring the office effectively drives development while carefully considering environmental, social, and economic impacts.

“The current status quo will not deliver a safer Territory or better opportunities, and we all owe it to our children, and future generations, to get this economic reform right,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.

“For five-and-a-half years under Labor, the Northern Territory was the worst performing economy in Australia.

“The Territory’s population went backwards, there were no new major projects for eight years, public sector investment has significantly outpaced private sector investment which hit record lows under Labor, and all this was topped off by a crime crisis which has also contributed to our economic stagnation.”

From June 2004 until June 2024, public investment in the Territory increased by 190.8%, while private business investment increased by only 33.9% over the same period.

Deputy Chief Minister Gerard Maley said: “The Territory Economic Reconstruction Commission (TERC) and Langoulant Plan for Budget Repair both recommended an immediate overhaul of the major projects process and highlighted the need for a ‘single point of coordination’. That is what the CLP is delivering.”

“Labor failed to prioritise revenue-generating projects, instead sinking the Territory $9 billion into the red with no plan for economic growth, no plan to manage debt, no plan to tackle crime, and no vision for the Territory’s future,” said Mr Maley.

“There is no shortage of opportunities here in the Territory. Encouraging and supporting private investment is key to building independent revenue streams, creating jobs, and accelerating economic growth.

“In 11 weeks since winning the election, our CLP Government has hit the ground running rebuilding the economy.

“From January 1, our payroll tax reforms will make life easier for businesses, our HomeGrown Territory grants of up to $50,000 are helping Territorians get a foot in the door of their own homes, and we have backed gas development in the Beetaloo Basin.

“However, we need to do more to boost our economy and create jobs, and the Territory Coordinator has an incredibly important role to play. The CLP Government is cutting red tape, not cutting corners.”

Key features of the Bill include:

• The ‘Primary Principle’ provides an overarching guide for use of all powers;

• The ability to request information or direct a public entity to coordinate actions with other public entities;

• Undertake public consultation regarding significant projects, program of works and Territory Development Area;

• Limitations to the exercise of powers and parliamentary oversight including disallowance;

• Limited exemption powers specific to significant projects, program of works and Territory Development Area;

• Prioritisation, progression, decision making timeframes and step-in processes.

“Through the Territory Coordinator, the current mishmash of processes and powers will be pulled together under a strategic, transparent and accountable model of decision-making,” said Mrs Finocchiaro.

“Territorians deserve certainty, and a strong economy will deliver more police, better hospitals and schools. While other states move forward, the NT cannot afford to be left behind.

“In the long run, this economic reform will change the lives of everyday Territorians. We are eager to hear the community’s feedback on the draft Territory Coordinator Bill on how we can make it easier to do business in the Northern Territory.”

Visit cmc.nt.gov.au/territory-coordinator to review the draft Bill and share your feedback, or email OTC.Consultation@nt.gov.au until 17 January, 2025.

STUART KNOWLES BIOGRAPHY

A long-time Territorian with a background in the armed forces and transportation sector, Stuart Knowles previously worked with the Department of the Chief Minister and Cabinet prior to joining Inpex as Compliance Approvals Manager in 2014 looking after the regulatory requirements needed for constructing, commissioning and operating the mega project. 

Knowles went on to ascend to the General Manager NT as Inpex stepped up its efforts towards decarbonisation. 

After 10 years with Inpex, Knowles joined consulting firm, Scyne Advisory as the Managing Director Northern Territory.

Hon. Lia FInocchiaro - Chief Minister 

Hon. Gerard Maley - Deputy Chief Minister

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

Public feedback is being sought for the proposed development of the Darwin Renewable Energy Hub.

The project will play a pivotal role in supplying more affordable, secure and cleaner energy for households and businesses on the Darwin-Katherine electricity system.

Minister for Renewables Gerard Maley said the project would boost the local economy over its operating life, creating around 500 jobs during construction and operation, including long-term sustainable jobs.

“A key priority of the CLP Government is economic development through jobs creation and this project represents a considerable injection into the Territory economy. It is expected to generate over $400 million in local supply chain spending during construction and large-scale private investment in generation and energy storage,” Mr Maley said.

“It is great for the economy and great for the environment, but the Darwin REH will also enable enhanced energy security and grid resilience, as well as place downward pressure on electricity bills.”

The REH involves the co-location of up to six large-scale solar farms, capable of generating 180-210 megawatts of renewable energy, alongside a battery energy storage system, all on a single site near existing network infrastructure.

The proposed site is 940 hectares of Crown Land located on the west side of Finn Road, about 19km south of Palmerston and 4km north of Berry Springs. The development area within the proposed site is approximately 500ha.

All electricity produced in the Hub will be fed directly into the Darwin-Katherine grid, supplying clean and renewable power to Territory households and businesses.

A comprehensive site selection process was undertaken to identify the most suitable location, with the proposed site zoned for light industry under the Darwin Regional Land Use Plan.

The consultation process will allow local residents, the community, businesses and key stakeholders to obtain information about the project and provide feedback.

The final project design and final investment decision will be informed by feedback provided through this consultation process.

Subject to a final investment decision on the project, implementation is expected to run from 2025 to 2030.

Territorians wanting to comment on the proposed site can visit: https://haveyoursay.nt.gov.au/darwin-renewable-energy-hub-site-location.

Public consultation will close at 5pm on Friday 28 February 2025.

Hon. Gerard Maley

Deputy Chief Minister 

Minster for Renewables

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom

Tamboran Resources Corporation (NYSE: TBN; ASX: TBN) is pleased to present its First Quarter Activities Report and the First Quarter Results Presentation.

Highlights

• Tamboran completed the drilling of the Shenandoah South 2H (SS-2H) well in EP 98 to total depth (TD) of 20,669 feet (6,300 metres) in 35 days (spud to TD). The well was the first ~10,000 foot (3,000 metre) horizontal section drilled within the Mid Velkerri B Shale in the Beetaloo Basin to date.
• 
  
• On completion of the drilling operations, a downhole mechanical issue was unable to be resolved, resulting in the well being plugged and sidetracked. The SS-2H ST1 sidetrack well has reached a depth of 16,201 feet (4,938 metres), achieving record drilling rates in the Beetaloo Basin following successful implementation of key learnings from the drilling of the original SS-2H well.
• 
  
• Drilling of the Shenandoah South 3H (SS-3H) well is expected to commence in November 2024 from the same pad. The SS-3H well is projected to be drilled with a 10,000-foot (~3,000-metre) horizontal section.

• Both the SS-2H ST1 and SS-3H wells are planned to be stimulated with up to 60 stages using the recently imported Liberty Energy (NYSE: LBRT) frac fleet, which was successfully mobilized to site during the quarter. The stimulation campaign is planned to commence in 1Q 2025.

• IP30 flow tests remain on track to be announced to the market in 1Q 2025, subject to timing of soaking period and weather conditions.

• In November 2024, Tamboran contracted Enscope, an Australian engineering consultancy company, to order long lead items required for the Sturt Plateau Compression Facility (SPCF).

• Tamboran and APA Group (ASX: APA) are on track to finalize agreements relating to the Sturt Plateau Pipeline (SPP) ahead of the ordering of long lead items in November 2024.

• As at 30 September 2024, the Company had a cash balance of US$74.0 million, which excludes the US$7.6 million net payment (gross proceeds less commission) from the sale of Tamboran’s drilling rig in the US, which was received in October 2024

Tamboran Resources Corporation Managing Director and CEO, Joel Riddle said:

“The first quarter of FY25 was another busy period for Tamboran as we commenced our 2024 Beetaloo drilling operations. The SS-2H well spudded in late August 2024 following additional civils works required to stabilize the cellar at the well site. The well was successfully drilled to 20,669 feet (6,300 metres) total measured depth in 35 days, the second fastest drilling rate achieved in the Beetaloo Basin, behind the A3H well drilled by Tamboran in 2023.

“Despite delivering the longest horizontal well in the Beetaloo Basin to date, a downhole issue occurred upon the completion of drilling and before the installation of casing. Unfortunately, we were unable to remediate the issue, resulting in the well being sidetracked as the SS-2H ST1 well.

“The sidetrack was drilled from 1,837 feet (~560 metres) and is currently at a depth of 16,201 feet (4,938 metres) following successful implementation of key learnings from the drilling of the original SS-2H well. The SS-2H ST1 well has achieved the fastest drilling rates from the bottom of the Moroak Sandstone (~7,500 feet below surface) to date.

“We look forward to completing the SS-2H ST1 well and progressing the drilling activity on the SS-3H well. Importantly, we remain on track to deliver IP30 flow rates during 1Q 2025, which is in line with guidance.

“Further, the higher costs associated with drilling the SS-2H sidetrack well (~US$5 million) has been more than offset by the cash received for selling our US drilling rig (~US$8.5 million, pre-costs) meaning we are funded to deliver flow results from the SS-2H ST1 and SS-3H wells.”

Source: Tamboran Resources 

To view the full ASX announcement, click here.

To view the 1Q FY25 Result Presentation, click here.

The CLP Government and the Republic of Indonesia have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to strengthen collaboration on critical mineral and strategic material supply chains.

Formalised at the Australian Indonesia Business Council in Sydney this morning, the agreement is a first of its kind between any Australian jurisdiction and Indonesia.

The agreement is designed to establish a collaborative framework that promotes sustainable development and economic growth, fostering mutual benefit for both the NT and Indonesia.

It also seeks to capitalise on the Northern Territory’s status as an emerging critical minerals powerhouse and reinforces the region’s strong partnership potential, as Indonesia progresses its ambition to become a Southeast Asian hub for electric vehicle manufacturing.

Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations Robyn Cahill said Indonesia was the largest economy in Southeast Asia and the 10^th largest economy in the world based on purchasing power.

“It is important that the Territory continues to strengthen relationships with our key economic partners and diversify our markets,” said Ms Cahill.

“By signing the Memorandum of Understanding with the Indonesian Government, we are sending a clear message that we are open for business and that we are well placed to advance trade, investment and strategic partnerships in Southeast Asia.”

The Northern Territory has a strong pipeline of emerging mining projects in non-ferrous metals, critical minerals, and precious metals for the advanced manufacturing of batteries, semiconductors and renewable energy technologies.

“The agreement promotes sustainable development and economic growth which will create more opportunities for Territorians,” said Mrs Cahill.

“Indonesia is one of the Territory’s closest neighbours and is an important economic and strategic partner for local businesses.”

Highlights in the agreement include:

• promoting opportunities for critical mineral investment
• encouraging joint studies, exploration, and development of processing and refinery technology
• collaborating on adopting and promoting sustainable and responsible mining practices
• facilitating a skills development program through education and training.

The five-year agreement recognises mutual interest in nurturing strong and diverse energy supply chains, strengthening trade and investment links, and supporting respective national objectives in critical minerals processing between Indonesia and the Northern Territory

Source: Northern Territory Government Newsroom 

Developing gas reserves in the Beetaloo is a potential solution to mitigating the east coast’s looming shortfall and it should be considered, a senior executive at APA Group says.

The comments illustrate potentially contentious choices policymakers will need to make to offset a shortfall of gas primarily in Victoria and NSW that threatens to be economically catastrophic.

However, developing gas reserves in the Beetaloo would be contentious. It threatens to inflame tensions with Indigenous groups, which insist the land is culturally sensitive and must be preserved.

APA group executive of operations Petrea Bradford said Australia would need to act on addressing the gas shortfall if it wanted to decarbonise.

“We know that gas is needed in the southern markets. We know there are resources that can deliver on that outcome to market,” Ms Bradford said.

“We know to decarbonise Australia, we need gas to be there.

“The Beetaloo in particular provides an opportunity to assist and support in that - transition.”

Empire Energy and Tamboran Resources, two junior resources companies, are leading work to develop a gas industry in the Northern Territory after the former territory government permitted franking in a bid to unlock the lucrative sector, but the move has attracted opposition.

APA has partnered with Tamboran and Empire to scope a potential pipeline that if developed would bring gas into the eastern markets.

APA’s positioning in the Beetaloo has caused shareholder unrest, with some investors criticising the company at its recent annual general meeting.

But while socially contentious, developing the gas in the Beetaloo has more policymaker support. The NT government has thrown its weight behind the project, in contrast to the Narrabri development in NSW that has received only tepid support from the state Labor government.

Australia faces a race against time to mitigate the impact of a gas shortfall. The Australian Energy Market Operator has warned that gas power stations may need to turn to burning diesel as soon as 2026 as supplies tighten. Even with mitigation steps, the dominant supplier of gas to the region – ExxonMobil and Woodside’s Bass Strait Longford facility – will have been depleted by 2028.

Gas industry executives hope the call for action spurs authorities to approve new supplies and inhibit the capacity of opponents to block new developments.

But expansion plans of Senex Energy, backed by Gina Rinehart and South Korean steel giant POSCO, remains the largest of a small number of developments given the green light – which energy officials have widely condemned.

The federal government insists it supports and values the role of gas, but critics say regulatory delays are indicative of its commitment to bolstering new supplies. Gas remains polarising and pockets of the electorate are deeply opposed to new developments. Critics of the government believe Anthony Albanese is unwilling to alienate a key voter bloc ahead of an election due next year.

Industry figures have warned postponing the decision leaves Australia badly exposed to supply disruptions, with little time to bring new supplies to market before supplies tighten. Without adequate gas supplies, traditional users – such as manufacturers that are unable to switch to renewables, and households in Victoria, face increased bills. Manufacturers have warned the viability of some industries will be at risk if bills were to rise.

Households with gas will also be stung in their electricity bills under a supply crunch. Gas is used in Australia as a peaker. During periods of high demand for electricity or when renewable energy supplies are curtailed during to unfavourable weather, gas is used for electricity generation.

Without enough supplies of gas, electricity generation would struggle to meet demand and prices would rise.

These increases in bills felt by consumers are unlikely to be seen by 2026 at the earliest, but Australia can ill afford a spike in utility bills.

Energy bills were a key driver in inflation surging amid a global energy crunch, which forced the Reserve Bank to lift interest rates 13 times.

The ensuing cost-of-living crisis has seen a record number of people struggle to pay their electricity bills, which has sapped support for the federal government.

Source: The Australian Business Review