GHD has delivered the environmental impact statement for the first proposed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import terminal to receive government approval – setting a milestone for Australia’s gas import industry.
With eastern Australia predicted to face a gas shortage, GHD was engaged by Australian Industrial Energy (AIE) to undertake a detailed Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the proposed LNG terminal in Port Kembla, New South Wales. This terminal, one of five proposed for Australia, could supply over 70 percent of the state’s annual gas demand.
“The timeframe was tight and the EIS and Development Consent were delivered in around 10 months which is incredibly impressive for a significant state development or infrastructure project in New South Wales,” Karl Rosen, GHD’s Technical Director – Environment said.
“Gas import terminals will be a completely new industry for New South Wales and so it was important to engage closely and frequently with government authorities and stakeholders throughout the approvals process to respond to queries, provide detailed information and enable a timely approval.”
The project involved contributions by more than 90 GHD employees from 16 disciplines across Australia, New Zealand and the Philippines.
Speaking on behalf of AIE, Squadron Energy CEO Stuart Johnston said, “We are extremely pleased to obtain the development consent. It paves the way for us to now focus on closing commercial negotiations with customers, which in turn will enable the project to take a positive Final Investment Decision around the middle of the year.”
As well as providing a new source of gas for the state, the terminal is expected to create up to 150 jobs during construction and around 40-50 ongoing roles during operation, as well as contributing to the diversification and growth of Port Kembla.