Browse gas project faces challenge: new report claims Western Australia doesn't
New research argues Western Australia has more than enough gas to meet demand without Browse.
The Browse gas fields hold almost 14 trillion cubic feet, Australia's biggest untapped gas reserve. Woodside and the WA government say the project stops domestic supply shortages from 2030.
The Australasian Centre for Corporate Responsibility argues no real shortage exists. Producers are simply reluctant to sell gas locally.
ACCR analyst Alex Hillman notes existing projects including Gorgon, Wheatstone and Scarborough hold sufficient reserves. The real limit is how much we can process raw gas for local use.
It's not about supply itself. WA law requires producers to set aside 15% of gas for domestic markets.
But exporters choose to sell little beyond that. Woodside says LNG projects need export markets to survive economically.
Local sales alone are not enough.
- Almost 14 trillion cubic feet
- Browse reserves
- 2030
- Projected shortfall year
- 900 kilometres subsea
- Proposed pipeline length
- 15 percent of gas
- Domestic allocation requirement
Why it mattersThe project's viability depends on whether WA truly faces a gas shortage. If no real shortage exists, the environmental and economic case shifts.
AustraliaIf Browse proceeds, it could secure Western Australia's long-term gas supply and electricity costs. If the project stalls, WA risks energy price rises and reliance on ageing facilities or coal generation for longer.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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