Aboriginal concerns suspend Australia’s gas pipeline project

Santos' Australian gas import project has been suspended following concerns expressed by an Aboriginal leader about heritage sites threatened by an underwater pipeline.

Share:

Projet Gazoduc Australie Suspension Aborigènes

The Australian company Santos, one of the country’s largest oil and gas producers, had planned to build a subsea pipeline off the northern coast of Australia to bring gas from subsea wells to onshore processing plants. However, Simon Munkara, owner of the Tiwi Islands, has obtained a temporary injunction suspending the project. The court ruled that Santos had not sufficiently considered the potential damage to heritage sites important to the aboriginal community.

The concerns of an aboriginal leader

 

The suspension of the project has sparked debate about its impact on the cultural heritage of the Tiwi Islands, where aborigines make up around 90% of the population.

The islands are renowned for their art, language and passion for Australian soccer. However, the A$5 billion Barossa gas project has faced delays due to concerns about its impact on the environment and cultural areas.

Mr. Munkara said in a statement after Thursday’s hearing: “We take the protection of our country seriously. It is our obligation. I’m doing this for my children, so that our culture can be passed on to future generations.”

Santos’ reaction

 

Santos reacted by saying that she respected “the cultural heritage of the Tiwi people”. The 260-kilometer pipeline would pass close to the Tiwi Islands, where around 90% of the 2,000 inhabitants are Aboriginal Australians, known for their art, language and passion for Australian soccer. The A$5 billion (€3 billion) Barossa gas project has been subject to delays due to concerns about its impact on the environment and cultural sites.

Gas from the Barossa offshore field was to be transported to Darwin for processing and export. Environmental and cultural concerns were heightened in Australia after mining company Rio Tinto exploded prehistoric caves inhabited by Aborigines in 2020.

 

The suspension of the gas pipeline project in Australia highlights the concerns of Aboriginal communities about the preservation of their cultural heritage. The final decision on whether to resume or cancel the project will be taken by the court on November 13.

  • Populaires ​
The Indonesian-Chinese lithium-ion battery plant will open with 6.9 GWh in 2026
Renewable energy: access improving, but financing still insufficient for Africa
Enbridge Gas Ohio challenges tariff ruling cutting its revenues by $30mn
Natural hydrogen: France on the verge of redefining its national and European energy strategy
Iberdrola increases supplementary dividend by 16.5% to €0.409 per share
Strong Rise in Solar Power Reduces Summer Demand for Natural Gas
Solar power generation increased sharply in the United States in June, significantly reducing natural gas consumption in the power sector, despite relatively stable overall electricity demand.
Exxon and QatarEnergy ask US for permission to re-export LNG from October
Golden Pass LNG, jointly owned by Exxon Mobil and QatarEnergy, has asked US authorities for permission to re-export liquefied natural gas starting October 1, anticipating the imminent launch of its operations in Texas.
Delfin Midstream secures strategic agreement with Siemens Energy and Samsung
Delfin Midstream reserves gas turbine manufacturing capacity with Siemens Energy and initiates an early works programme with Samsung Heavy Industries, ahead of its anticipated final investment decision in the autumn.
DNO secures USD 500 million financing linked to Norwegian gas
Norwegian group DNO ASA signs gas offtake contract with ENGIE and secures USD 500 million financing from a major US bank to guarantee future revenues from its Norwegian gas production.
Golar LNG raises $575mn through bond issuance and repurchases shares
Golar LNG Limited has completed a private placement of $575mn in convertible bonds due in 2030, using part of the proceeds to repurchase and cancel 2.5 million of its own common shares, thus reducing its share capital.
Shell ships first LNG cargo from its LNG Canada facility
Shell Canada Energy announces shipment of the first liquefied natural gas cargo from its LNG Canada complex, located in Kitimat, British Columbia, primarily targeting fast-growing Asian economic and energy markets.
Australia considers east coast gas reservation as market pressures intensify
The Australian government is considering the establishment of an east coast gas reservation as part of a sweeping review of market rules to ensure supply, with risks of shortages signalled by 2028.
The drilling fluids industry will reach $10.7bn by 2032 driven by oil expansion and chemical innovations
The increase in oil drilling, deepwater exploration, and chemical advances are expected to raise the global drilling fluids market to $10.7bn by 2032, according to Meticulous Research.
Global small-scale LNG market to reach $31.78bn by 2030
The small-scale liquefied natural gas market is forecast to grow at an annual rate of 7.5%, reaching an estimated total value of $31.78bn by 2030, driven particularly by maritime and heavy-duty road transport sectors.
Europe extends gas storage obligations until 2027
The European Union extends gas storage regulations by two years, requiring member states to maintain a minimum fill rate of 90% to ensure energy security and economic stability amid market uncertainties.
Chevron and Energy Transfer Expand Their LNG Agreement at Lake Charles
Energy Transfer strengthens its partnership with Chevron by increasing their liquefied natural gas supply agreement by 50% from the upcoming Lake Charles LNG export terminal, strategically aiming for long-term supply security.
Woodside completes sale of 40% stake in Louisiana LNG project to Stonepeak
Woodside finalises the divestment of a 40% stake in the Louisiana LNG project to Stonepeak, injecting $5.7 billion to accelerate developments and optimise financial returns ahead of first gas delivery scheduled in 2026.
Keranic takes over Royal Helium and fast-tracks Steveville plant restart
Keranic Industrial Gas seals a sixty-day exclusivity deal to buy Royal Helium’s key assets, raise CAD9.5mn ($7.0mn) and bring Alberta’s Steveville plant back online in under fifteen weeks.
Fusion Fuel: Al Shola Gas secures AED4.4 mn ($1.2 mn) in contracts
The Irish-Portuguese company Fusion Fuel strengthens its footprint in the United Arab Emirates as subsidiary Al Shola Gas adds AED4.4 mn ($1.2 mn) in new engineering contracts, consolidating an already robust 2025 order book.
Cheniere Energy Approves Expansion of Corpus Christi LNG Terminal for 2029
Cheniere Energy validates major investment to expand Corpus Christi terminal, adding two liquefaction units to increase its liquefied natural gas export capacity by 2029, responding to recent international agreements.
LNG industry could reduce emissions by 60%, according to IEA
A study by the International Energy Agency reveals that global emissions from liquefied natural gas could be significantly reduced using current technologies.
Europe accelerates gas storage filling despite declining reserves
Europe is injecting natural gas into underground storage facilities at a three-year high, even as reserves remain below historical averages, prompting maximized imports of liquefied natural gas (LNG).
Seoul freezes electricity rates amid LNG supply risk concerns
South Korea abandons plans to lower electricity rates this summer, fearing disruptions in liquefied natural gas supply due to escalating geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, despite recent declines in fuel import costs.
Russia ready to deliver liquefied natural gas to Mexico
Russia positions itself to supply liquefied natural gas to Mexico and considers expanded technological sharing in the energy sector, according to Russian Energy Minister Sergey Tsivilyov.
Israel resumes gas exports to Egypt and Jordan
Israel has partially resumed its natural gas exports to Egypt and Jordan following a week-long halt due to the closure of two major offshore gas fields, Leviathan and Karish.

LEGAL

FOSSILS

POLICY

RENEWABLE

PLUS

© XMARKET PUBLISHING

Welcome

Your subscription

Included in this subscription:

COMMUNICATE ON ENERGYNEWS