Woodside Energy has begun construction on a second liquefied natural gas (LNG) train at its Pluto LNG onshore facility on the Burrup Peninsula, near Karratha.
The ground breaking of the Pluto Train 2 project is a key milestone for the Scarborough to Pluto Train 2 development, which will help meet the increasing global demand for LNG as a transitional energy source.
State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook congratulated Woodside Energy and Global Infrastructure Partners in reaching the project milestone at a ground breaking ceremony held today.
Once completed, the $16 billion LNG development will see gas from the offshore Scarborough resource processed at Woodside Energy's Pluto LNG facility.
It is estimated the Scarborough to Pluto Train 2 development will create 3,200 new jobs over the four-year construction period and support around 600 jobs once operational, including about 230 jobs in the Karratha region.
As part of the development, a temporary accommodation village will be constructed to support the Pluto Train 2 project workers and manage the impacts on the local housing market in and around the City of Karratha.
The Pluto Train 2 project will support the export of around eight million tonnes of LNG per annum, and the delivery of around 1,400 petajoules of gas to the Western Australian market, through a new domestic gas production facility to be built at the Pluto site.
The project will facilitate domestic gas supply from the Scarborough gas field, securing the State's long-term energy needs, and unlock new industrial and downstream processing developments.
The Scarborough to Pluto Train 2 development is subject to all necessary approvals, including environmental approvals.
As stated by Premier Mark McGowan:
"The Scarborough to Pluto Train 2 development will deliver decades of benefits for WA, through jobs, economic stimulus and domestic gas.
"The commencement of construction at the Pluto Train 2 site is another great milestone for Woodside Energy, its partners, and for WA.
"I congratulate them on progressing with this significant project and look forward to working together to deliver opportunities and benefits to Western Australians."
As stated by State Development, Jobs and Trade Minister Roger Cook:
"Western Australia is the main contributor to Australia's LNG exports, accounting for 56 per cent. By itself, WA is the world's third largest LNG exporter, with 12 per cent of global LNG supply in 2021.
"Right now, we have a significant opportunity to further position the State as a safe and reliable supplier of LNG to the world, while strengthening our economy and delivering new local jobs.
"The development will support 3,200 new jobs over the four-year construction period, and 600 jobs once fully operational, including around 230 local jobs for the Karratha region."
As stated by Pilbara MLA Kevin Michel:
"The development of the Pluto Train 2 project will reap benefits throughout the Pilbara, boosting local jobs for both development and upon completion.
"Not only will the project boost the Pilbara's economy, but it will also establish a strong position for WA as one of the world's largest LNG exporters."
