EPA green light for Project Valhalla appraisal program a significant step for WA energy security
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has recommended approval for Black Mountain Energy’s proposed Project Valhalla exploration and appraisal program, which is an important milestone towards establishing the scale of the available resource.
The Chamber of Minerals and Energy WA (CME) welcomes the recommendation, which reinforces that the exploration program can meet the State’s robust environmental standards.
CME Chief Executive Officer Aaron Morey said unlocking new sources of gas was critical to prevent WA falling into significant shortfall by the end of the decade.
“Continuing to tap into WA’s abundant gas reserves is vital to shield families and businesses from steep rises in energy costs,” Mr Morey said.
“In addition to directly powering and heating our homes, affordable and reliable gas underpins tens of thousands of West Australian jobs in manufacturing and minerals processing.
“The $13.5 billion US-Australia critical minerals framework opens the door to thousands of additional jobs in mining and refining – but only if WA can compete on energy costs.
“Premier Roger Cook’s ambition to establish WA as a major data centre hub also hinges on our ability to provide abundant and competitively priced electricity.
“Gas is essential to that task, providing a reliable and affordable source of fast-dispatching generation to back up weather-dependent wind and solar.
Mr Morey highlighted the 2018 Independent Scientific Panel Inquiry into hydraulic fracturing in Western Australia concluded the risks were low.
“The inquiry considered potential impacts on land, water, greenhouse gases, public health and social surroundings. It concluded that risks were low if controls and processes were followed,” Mr Morey said.
“Western Australia is a tier one resources jurisdiction and our existing policy and regulatory frameworks are well-equipped to manage the environmental, health and safety aspects of hydraulic fracturing.”
Media contacts:
Josh Zimmerman j.zimmerman@cmewa.com / 0404 947 719
Natasha Mutch n.mutch@cmewa.com / 0435 383 382