Invest NT

A gas sales agreement between the Northern Territory and Empire Energy will provide competitively priced gas for the Territory’s electricity generation for years to come.

Empire Energy, which is expecting first gas from its Carpentaria Pilot Project, in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, will supply gas to the Northern Territory from mid next year until 2035, with an opportunity to extend to 2040.

Empire Energy is working towards Final Investment Decision for the project by the end of 2024.

The Carpentaria Pilot Project is targeting 25 Terajoules of gas per day, initially scaling the production in line with long term targets. Empire Energy will continue to progress its environmental approvals for the project.

Developing the Beetaloo Sub-basin and boosting the Territory’s onshore gas industry will create thousands of work opportunities for Territorians and boost the economy by $17 billion.

A NT Government spokesperson said investors were starting to make more moves within the Beetaloo which “supports local businesses and working opportunities”.

Empire Energy Managing Director, Alex Underwood, said Empire has been actively pursuing production from the Beetaloo Sub-basin since 2011, with support from the NT Government since 2018.

“Subject to final approvals, we anticipate being the first company to provide gas supply from the Beetaloo, commencing next year.

“This agreement comes at a critical time for the energy security of the NT. It demonstrates our commitment to providing energy for Territorians and will facilitate hundreds of millions of dollars of investment into the NT economy. The project will provide local jobs, support NT businesses, and create direct revenue streams for traditional owners and the NT Government.”

“We look forward to working with traditional owners, local communities and all Territorians to deliver this exciting project.”