In Australia, gas from Beetaloo begins flowing into Northern Territory energy grid
In Australia, Tamboran Resources has begun supplying gas extracted through hydraulic fracturing in the Beetaloo Basin to the Northern Territory energy grid. The pilot gas is already being used to supply homes and businesses in the region, ABC News Australia reports. This happened eight years after the moratorium on fracking in the Northern Territory was lifted.
Todd Abbott, managing director of Tamboran Resources, said the Northern Territory authorities had provided substantial support to the company on its path to starting production. He called this government “the most supportive” he had worked with, including in comparison with Texas.
Expectations of authorities and business
Northern Territory Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro called the project’s launch a step toward “certainty, stability and affordability.” According to her, development of Beetaloo can “literally change the future” of the territory’s economy.
The regional government has about $12 billion in net debt with a population of approximately 250,000 people. At the same time, the authorities have relied on emergency gas supplies for years to cover shortages.
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Infrastructure company Jemena also announced plans to apply for approval to build a 400-kilometre gas pipeline that would connect existing pipeline infrastructure with Beetaloo. Jemena managing director David Gillespie said gas from this basin could become an important component of energy solutions for the country.
Criticism of fracking
The development of Beetaloo is criticised by environmental organisations and left-wing politicians. The Australian Greens called the project a future “climate bomb.” Party senator Steph Hodgins-May said independent analysts had rejected claims that Beetaloo gas would become a universal solution for jobs and industry in the Northern Territory.
The Northern Territory government says full-scale development of the basin could create $17 billion in economic value over the next 20 years. Environmental groups believe the actual result will be significantly lower.
Representatives of the Jingili-Mudburra people, who hold Indigenous land rights, expect jobs and royalties from the project. Rosemary Raymond said decisions on the project’s future must be made on their land.
