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Viva upbeat about proposed

LNG import project

PROJECTS & AUSTRALIAN refiner and fuel marketer Viva Corio Bay environment.”
COMPANIES Energy is upbeat about the potential of its pro- The Melbourne government rejected AGL’s
posed liquefied natural gas (LNG) import proposed AUD250mn ($191mn) FSRU-based
project in Victoria after the state government project terminal, as it would have “unacceptable
blocked a similar project on environmental effects” on the Western Port environment.
grounds. The government reached its decision after
The Victorian government blocked utility a 10-week independent inquiry and advisory
AGL Energy’s proposed Crib Point LNG import committee (IAC) hearing delivered its findings
terminal on March 30, citing concerns about the in February. The IAC hearing was launched
project’s location in a Ramsar wetland of interna- after an environment effects statement (EES)
tional significance. attracted more than 6,000 submissions.
Viva Energy has said the proposed develop- Victorian Planning Minister Richard Wynne Viva Energy has
ment next to the existing Geelong refinery would said: “This has been an exhaustive, open and
have a much lower impact on the environment. transparent process and this is the right outcome said the proposed
The ASX-listed firm unveiled its plans to for the local community, the environment and
build an LNG import terminal next to the Victoria as a whole. It is probably one of the most development next
128,000 barrel per day refinery in June 2030, intense EES processes we’ve had in this state in a
noting that the development would turn the area very long time.” to the existing
into an energy hub. Viva, meanwhile, has positioned the project Geelong refinery
The energy hub project includes the extension as the answer to Victoria’s projected gas supply
of the refinery’s existing pier and the installation shortfalls that remain a near-term risk, despite would have a
of mooring facilities for a floating regasification more upbeat forecasts from the Australian
and storage unit (FSRU), with a capacity to meet Energy Market Operator (AEMO). much lower
around half the state’s total gas demand. AEMO has said an anticipated shortfall in
“Viva Energy believes that the proposed natural gas supplies can be delayed as long the impact on the
location of our terminal – adjacent to the Gee- country begins importing LNG by the end of environment.
long refinery in an existing industrial area and 2023, with Squadron Energy’s Port Kembla Gas
working port – is a key advantage,” a spokesman Terminal (PKGT) flagged as the most likely can-
told local daily The Sydney Morning Herald on didate, given that its development is the most
April 7. advanced.
“The project is not located within a Ramsar AEMO warned that southern supply was
wetland, and we intend to re-use seawater at risk if PKGT was delayed, Victorian winter
from the terminal, recycling it through the gas demand spiked or gas production out-
refinery and minimising the impact on the ages emerged.™

Week 14 09•April•2021 www. NEWSBASE .com P9