Chevron’s Australian unit said Friday the Gorgon Joint Venture approved a nearly $2 billion plan to expand gas production off Western Australia to secure long-term LNG exports and domestic supply.
Partners Advance Major Offshore Gas Development
Chevron Australia said the Gorgon partners signed off on the A$3 billion Gorgon Stage 3 development, which will link the offshore Geryon and Eurytion fields to existing facilities on Barrow Island. The project will act as backfill for the venture’s LNG operations.
The plan includes six wells across two fields as part of a series of subsea tiebacks. “Stage 3 helps sustain our long-term energy commitments while supporting Western Australia’s gas needs,” Chevron Australia president Balaji Krishnamurthy said.
The offshore environmental regulator approved the proposal in November after a public comment period that began in August 2024.
Expansion Strengthens LNG and Domestic Gas Supply
Chevron Gorgon Project operates theon behalf of partners Exxon Mobil and Shell, which together hold about ninety-seven percent of the venture. Osaka Gas, JERA and MidOcean own the remainder.
Krishnamurthy said the expansion will support both LNG exports and long-term domestic supply. Western Australia requires all LNG projects to reserve fifteen percent of output for local use.
Gorgon Stage 3 can produce 300 terajoules per day of gas for the state and up to 15.6 million tons of LNG annually, according to Chevron. “The development reinforces energy security for households and businesses,” a state energy official said.
Project documents filed with regulators show Chevron plans up to 40 wells across seven fields, with a notional field life through 2070.
Broader Offshore Activity Gains Momentum
The approval comes as other producers advance work in northern and southern Australia. Shell’s plans for drilling at the Crux field were accepted last week, enabling future gas backfill to the Prelude floating LNG facility.
In southern waters, ConocoPhillips recently completed its first exploration well and is preparing a second nearby. An industry analyst said the momentum reflects “steady confidence in Australia’s long-term LNG position despite global market shifts.”
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