Australia and the world needs gas – and the NT has it

The NT’s abundance of natural gas can provide a real solution to Australia’s east coast gas supply security – and in turn will accelerate a multibillion dollar growth in the Northern Territory economy.

Tamboran Resources exploration works in the Beetaloo Sub-basin. Picture supplied: TAMBORAN Resources

The Northern Territory’s time is now.

Australia and the world needs gas – and we have it.

Gas is fundamental to modern day life as the world transitions to a net zero future, helping Territorians keep their lights on and powering our schools and hospitals.

But it is also critical to the Territory’s economic development.

The NT’s abundance of natural gas can provide a real solution to Australia’s east coast gas supply security – and in turn will accelerate a multibillion dollar growth in the Northern Territory economy.

This means more royalty dollars for investment into social programs and public infrastructure, more regional jobs for locals, more direct and indirect flow-on benefits to businesses, and more opportunities for all Territorians to prosper.

The NT Government is facilitating the growth of the energy resources sector with a strong and well-regulated gas industry to ensure certainty, while enabling industry to grow and keep investing in the Territory.

And 2025 is looking strong for the Territory energy sector.

Recent gas ‘flow test’ results in the world-class Beetaloo Sub-basin are exceeding expectations, with Empire Energy’s Carpentaria Pilot Program and Tamboran’s Shenandoah

Pilot Program planned to deliver appraisal gas to market in 2025 and 2026 respectively.

In addition, excellent flow rate results from the recently drilled West Mereenie 29 (WM29) well have occurred in Central Australia’s Amadeus Basin from Central Petroleum and its joint venture partners.

Central Petroleum’s Mereenie well in the Amadeus Basin. Picture:Supplied by Central Petroleum

An additional well is also being drilled in this production field that was established in 1984 and has been a major supplier of energy for the Territory for almost 40 years.

Significant private investment has already been made into the Beetaloo Sub-basin, with Tamboran Resources, Empire Energy and Santos injecting around $170 million into onshore gas exploration in the last 12 months.

Tamboran also has agreements with pipeline operator APA Group Pty Ltd for it to build a 35km pipeline from its Shenandoah South well sites, connecting the gas development area to the Amadeus Gas Pipeline.

Department of Mining and Energy chief executive officer Alister Trier said this level of investment was a significant step in advancing onshore gas production, and the NT Government was helping drive infrastructure development to underpin the delivery of gas to market.

“Development of the Beetaloo Sub-basin is critical to economic development in the Northern Territory, and we also want to maximise opportunities for Territorians and local businesses as this happens,” Mr Trier said.

“A dedicated Beetaloo Project Management office has been established to co-coordinate cross-government activities to support the development and commercialisation of the Beetaloo Sub-basin.

“This will ensure Beetaloo Sub-basin reaches its full potential.”

Central Petroleum’s Mereenie well in the Amadeus Basin. Picture:Supplied by Central Petroleum

With the NT’s proximity to offshore gas developments, industry has recognised the opportunity that is there to amalgamate with investment in both on and offshore projects.

This was on show last month when Santos and Tamboran signed a landmark agreement for collaboration on gas exploration activities in the Beetaloo, as well as the potential expansion of Darwin LNG.

And as this is happening, Santos’ offshore Barossa Field development is continuing to power ahead, at 80 per cent complete and on track to see the first flow of gas to its DLNG facility later this year.