Australia to finalise offshore gas exploration permits to boost clean energy transition

There will also be 10 permits for carbon capture and storage exploration.

The Australian government is set to issue new offshore gas exploration permits to ensure a stable energy supply and support the economy as the country works on achieving net zero emissions by moving away from coal-fired power facilities.

According to authorities, Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King will finalise permits for Esso and Beach Energy in the Otway and Sorrell Basins, with any discovered gas to support the domestic east coast market. Licences will also be finalised for Chevron, INPEX, Melbana, and Woodside Energy for the west coast.

The minister will also finalise 10 permits for carbon capture and storage exploration.

“As ageing coal generation comes offline in coming years, gas will continue to be needed to firm renewable energy generation and as a backup during peak energy use periods,” King said. “Gas is critical for the transition. But it will be a diminishing proportion of our energy mix to 2050 as other storage technologies come online.”

The government emphasised that the finalisation of permits does not automatically allow new offshore gas production to occur. Further approvals and consultation will still have to be conducted before exploration work can commence, it said.