Woodside plans large-scale solar for Burrup Peninsula to power Pluto LNG facility and Perdaman’s urea plant

Woodside is moving forward to future-proof power needs for a potential expansion of its Burrup Peninsula LNG hub with plans to build one of WA’s biggest solar projects. The WA-based energy giant is investigating the supply of about 50MW of solar energy to help power its massive Pluto LNG facility, which would be expanded if it goes ahead with development plans for its long-awaited Scarborough gas field. Boosting the business case for the solar project, Woodside said it was also in talks with Perdaman about accessing a further 50MW for its $4.3 billion urea plant which is due to start construction on the peninsula early next year. Woodside said it was now progressing stakeholder consultations ahead of seeking regulatory approvals for the power project, which would include more than 210,000 solar panels. Acting chief executive Meg O’Neill said WA was uniquely placed to capitalise on the State’s renewable energy resources. “Woodside’s vision is for large-scale supply of renewable energy to existing and future industry on the Burrup Peninsula,” Ms O’Neill said. “We are lucky to have access to abundant natural resources, safe and reliable energy operations and both industry and government that are motivated to drive sustainable energy outcomes.” After multiple setbacks brought about by falling LNG prices and a global oil glut at the height of the coronavirus pandemic last year, Woodside is now targeting a final investment decision on Scarborough with partner BHP in the second half of this year. Pushing the button on the multibillion-dollar project would include an expansion of the Pluto processing plant just as Woodside continues its commitment to reduce and offset carbon emissions to net zero by 2050. Privately-owned Perdaman earlier this month cleared a major final hurdle in plans for its urea plant on the Burrup after securing an agreement with Incitec Pivot’s fertiliser division to take up to 2.3 million tonnes of granular urea a year for the next two decades. The plant will transform natural gas sourced from Woodside into urea, making it the first world-scale facility of its kind in Australia. Perdaman chairman Vikas Rambal said incorporating solar power into the project would reduce fuel gas consumption by about 50 per cent while cutting emissions by at least 200,000 tonnes of CO2-equivalent a year. It would also allow Perdaman to increase production of ammonia, which produces zero emissions at the point of use. “This exciting initiative with Woodside will further enhance the manufacturing of blue ammonia for supply to the Asian market and help position WA as a first mover in implementing renewable energy in a world-scale downstream industry,” Mr Rambal said “We look forward to working with Woodside on our shared objectives for a lower carbon future.” Perdaman is also targeting carbon neutrality by 2050. Woodside shares were up marginally to $21.84 at 9.05am.