North West Shelf Project Extension

The NWS Project Extension allows existing gas resources to be developed without the need for constructing new processing facilities, provides ongoing employment and social investment in the region and supports the transition to a lower-carbon future.

A$40 billion
The project has paid over $40 billion in royalties and excise
> 6000 petajoules
The project has contributed over 6000 petajoules of domestic gas to Western Australia

MYTH

The North West Shelf Project won’t contribute enough domestic gas and/or will drive up household energy bills.

FACT

The North West Shelf Project is committed to meeting its domestic gas obligations.

Ongoing operations at the North West Shelf will support continued supply of domestic gas to Western Australia, which can help keep downward pressure on prices.

One of the best ways to drive down cost pressures on a sustained basis in any sector is to make new supply available.

Household energy bills are shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including supply and demand dynamics, transportation costs, global influences, renewable energy integration and technological advancements.

Since commencing operations in 1984, the North West Shelf Project has supplied more than 6000 petajoules of domestic gas, powering homes and industry in Western Australia. If used just for household electricity, this amount of gas is enough to power homes in cities like Perth for approximately 175 years.

Woodside has been supplying reliable and affordable gas to Western Australia for more than 40 years. Find out more here.

Additional Facts

MYTH

The North West Shelf Extension has not been subject to rigorous assessment.

FACT

The North West Shelf (NWS) Project Extension is subject to both state and federal environmental approval processes.

Woodside submitted the initial NWS Project Extension proposal to the Western Australian Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) for assessment in November 2018.

The EPA’s recommendation for approval with conditions was released in June 2022 and was then subject to the appeals process overseen by the Office of the Appeals Convenor (OAC). The project supported the appeals process with various submissions and information provided to the OAC to support their investigation. On 26 November 2024, the appeal was finalised with the release of an Appeals Committee Report and Minister’s Determination.

The proposal was issued a Ministerial Statement in December 2024. The federal assessment is ongoing.

MYTH

The North West Shelf Project does not contribute taxes or royalties.

FACT

The North West Shelf Project has paid more than A$40 billion in royalties and excise since the start of production in 1984 (100% project basis).

Approximately 68% (A$18 billion) has been delivered to the Western Australian Government.

MYTH

There is no need to extend the life of the North West Shelf Project.

FACT

Ongoing operation of the North West Shelf Project can support the continued supply of reliable energy locally and globally.

The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) forecasts that the Western Australian gas market will move into an increasing deficit from the 2030s.

AEMO’s updated forecasts, reflecting the latest developments in the gas industry, reaffirms the critical role of gas in supplying Western Australia's energy needs, including to support the transition to net zero.

See AEMO's 2023 Western Australia Gas Statement of Opportunities report for more information.

MYTH

Extending the North West Shelf is harmful to Murujuga rock art.

FACT

Woodside takes its responsibility to protect and manage cultural heritage seriously.

We take the necessary steps to manage our impacts, including in response to credible new information.

Research to date on the impacts of emissions on rock art has not been conclusive. In the absence of scientific certainty on the level of emissions which theoretically may affect rock art, Woodside is taking reasonable and practicable measures across its operations and growth projects to minimise emissions.

Woodside recognises the need for further research and supports the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program, led by the Murujuga Aboriginal Corporation and Western Australian Department of Water and Environmental Regulation.

Woodside believes the Murujuga Rock Art Monitoring Program will provide the necessary certainty to guide management and protection of the rock art.

Woodside acknowledges that its approach to managing and protecting cultural heritage has improved over time. Cultural heritage impacts were managed differently in the past and those practices do not meet the standards that Woodside now sets itself and that the community expects today.

Today, Woodside's approach is informed by consultation with Traditional Custodians, industry best practice and expert advice. Woodside’s policy is to avoid future damage or disturbance to cultural heritage and, if avoidance is not possible, to minimise and mitigate the impacts, in close consultation with Indigenous communities and Traditional Custodians.

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North West Shelf Project Extension

MYTH

FACT

Additional Facts

Related facts

Domestic gas supplied to Western Australia

Taxes paid and benefits to the Australian economy