- Senex Energy's $1 billion expansion of its Atlas and Roma North projects are going ahead
- The project is expected to deliver 60 PJ of natural gas per year from 2025, representing more than 10 per cent of annual east coast domestic gas requirements
- More than 20,000 kilometres of land has been released to shore up Australian gas supply since 2017 in Queensland
- Renewable energy backed up by up to 3GW of hydrogen ready gas generation will help reduce electricity emissions 96% by 2040.
The final EPBC approval for Senex Energy's expansion of its Atlas and Roma North projects has been granted by the Federal Government, with the project now moving forward.
During expansion 900 Queensland jobs are expected to be created, including 200 ongoing jobs.
Senex has already secured eight long-term supply agreements for the project with Australian manufacturers like CSR to support the expansion.
The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan identifies up to 3GW of low to zero emissions hydrogen ready gas generation to provide backup as Queensland builds a renewable electricity grid.
Renewable energy will provide 80% of electricity needs by 2035 with long duration hydro energy storage storing enough energy to end reliance on coal generators.
As stated by Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart:
"I welcome the news that Senex's $1 billion expansion project can now move forward.
"This project will support more than 900 jobs and inject more than $200 million into the local businesses and communities.
"Senex's project is another example of how Queensland continues to do the heavy lifting when it comes to domestic gas supply.
"Since 2017, Queensland has released more than 20,000 kilometres of land exclusively for Australian domestic supply.
"Senex's original Atlas tenement was the first dedicated to domestic supply by this government.
"Unlocking more gas and supplying it to the domestic market is critical for both households and our manufacturing industry.
"We have always said gas is an important part of our energy transition.
"It's only the Miles Government that has a clear path forward through the Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan.
"We are investing $26 billion towards the plan as part of the State Budget and delivering batteries, renewable energy technology and transmission projects like CopperString as part of our renewable energy transition."
As stated by Senex Energy CEO Ian Davies:
""Senex's investment will create more than 900 Queensland jobs with many of these roles based in the regions. Around 200 highly-skilled, well paid jobs will be ongoing as a result of Senex's investment.
"The expansion will also inject more than $200 million into local businesses and communities.
"Our $1 billion expansion will put people in work, support businesses and families in our regional areas and provide long-term benefits to Queenslanders.
"The royalties delivered through this multi-decade investment will fund hospitals, roads, emergency services and more, as we support Australia's energy security through the net zero transition and beyond.
"Senex's expansion will deliver 60 petajoules of natural gas each year to the east coast market from the end of 2025 which represents more than 10 per cent of annual east coast domestic gas requirements.
"The expansion will drive a significant boost in natural gas supply for Australia, demonstrating Queensland is continuing to do the heavy lifting for the east coast."
