Overview

• At the Australian Energy Producers conference, Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill said blackouts in Spain and Portugal demonstrate the need to balance energy security with emissions reduction.
• Speakers including former ambassador Joe Hockey and Woodside executives called for cutting environmental and procedural approvals to accelerate gas exploration and exports.
• Under the government’s “future gas strategy,” gas is recognised as essential for backing up renewable power and complex environmental approvals have been earmarked for prioritised reform by Resources Minister Madeleine King.
• Queensland Treasurer David Janetzki pledged to extend the life of coal and gas-fired power stations and the state government cancelled the Moonlight Range Wind Farm proposal near Rockhampton.
• Woodside is awaiting a federal decision by May 31 on extending its North West Shelf operations in Western Australia for another 40 years.