Targets raised for lower emissions
Woodside has agreed new emissions targets at Pluto LNG, consistent with the company’s aspiration of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
Woodside has agreed new emissions targets at Pluto LNG, consistent with the company’s aspiration of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050.
The targets, approved by Western Australian Minister for Environment Amber-Jade Sanderson in June, are part of Woodside’s updated Pluto Greenhouse Gas Abatement Program (GGAP).
Pluto Vice President Mike Price says work to update the program began in 2019 with a multi-disciplinary team drawn from several functions.
“Woodside worked closely with the State Government and the WA Environmental Protection Agency to update the GGAP to reflect a shared aspiration to reach net zero emission by 2050,” Mike says.
“The GGAP targets emissions 30% lower than approved levels by 2030 and 100% by 2050.”
Woodside’s plans to meet these targets include adopting technology considered to be best practice for LNG developments, operational improvements and offsetting all reservoir carbon dioxide.
The GGAP was updated to include the planned expansion of the Pluto LNG gas facility on the Burrup Peninsula in WA’s north west.
Woodside is proposing to develop the Scarborough gas resource through new offshore facilities connected by a pipeline of about 430 km to a proposed expansion of the existing Pluto LNG onshore facility.
Expansion includes modifications to the existing Train 1, a second gas processing train (Pluto Train 2) where Scarborough gas primarily would be processed and additional domestic gas infrastructure.
Emissions associated with the expansion are factored into the new targets.
Woodside Environment Manager Cameron Sudintas says analysis by Wood Mackenzie, a global energy research and consultancy group, highlights the success of Woodside’s approach.
“It shows that our Scarborough and Pluto Train 2 developments will be amongst the lowest-carbon LNG sources globally for our north Asian customers,” Cameron notes.
The Scarborough reservoir contains negligible carbon dioxide and the proposed design of Pluto Train 2 adopts the best available proven technology to improve efficiency.
Where greenhouse gas emissions cannot be avoided, Woodside will use eligible carbon offsets to meet its targets.
Woodside Carbon Markets Adviser Marelize Roets says over the past 10 years, Woodside has invested more than $100 million in native tree planting.
“In meeting our commitments Woodside is looking to both further expand our carbon business while also acquiring eligible offsets,” Marelize states.
Woodside is also investigating the concept of large-scale solar energy production to supply approximately 50 MW to Pluto LNG.
Woodside Climate Engagement General Manager Peter Metcalfe says reducing emissions requires an ongoing effort across the business.
“Through efficient operations and design, together with carbon offsets, Woodside has clear targets that we are determined to meet,” Peter points out.
