Summary
Woodside’s North West Shelf gas project has been approved by the Albanese government to operate until 2070, but must comply with the safeguard mechanism to achieve net-zero emissions by 2050. Energy Minister Chris Bowen confirmed that all facilities under this mechanism, including Woodside’s, are legally required to develop a pathway to net-zero emissions, despite potential controversies regarding gas project approvals and their impact on Australia’s climate commitments. Bowen emphasized Australia’s ongoing goal to reduce emissions by 43% by 2030, even amid a recent rise in emissions.
