The government of Australia’s Northern Territory has given the green light to hydraulic fracturing operations in the Beetaloo basin gas reservoirs, clearing the way for an expansion of exploration, appraisal, and development drilling to unlock potential gas production from the region.
The Territory’s Chief Minister Natasha Fyles said that it has satisfied all 135 recommendations of a scientific report arising from the independent Pepper inquiry into fracturing that was commissioned following a lifting of the government’s fracturing moratorium in 2018 (OGJ Online, Apr. 23, 2018).
The inquiry found that industry risks could be managed if its recommendations were implemented in full.
Fyles said that the ambition to be a net-zero emission economy as soon as possible has not wavered, but an energy source is still required as the Territory and Australia move towards that goal.
She said the Northern Territory has strengthened government agencies as well as legislation to rigorously assess environmental management plans. A new petroleum operations unit has been formed to ensure compliance.
Gas developers can now apply for development licenses in the Beetaloo acreage.
Nevertheless, the controversial decision has raised the ire of environmental and indigenous groups who still oppose any development.