Woodside pushes ahead with its toxic Scarborough gas drilling project

Fossil fuel company Woodside Energy has reached final investment decision on its Scarborough Gas drilling project, which if it goes ahead is set to be Australia’s most climate polluting project. But the path for Woodside is far from certain, with regulatory hurdles and legal challenges to clear, and fierce opposition from groups including Greenpeace and the Conservation Council of Western Australia.

Elsewhere in the corporate energy world, oil giant Shell has acquired Aussie energy retailer Powershop, while the former Unilever CEO has taken a swipe at Australia’s “stupid” obsession with coal.

On coal, a young activist from Blockade Australia has been sentenced to 12 months prison for taking non-violent direct action to block coal trains in the Hunter.

Woodside BHP forge ahead on Scarborough gas project in WA
The Scarborough field will be one of the biggest fossil fuel developments to be built in Australia in a decade.

Ex-Unilever CEO takes swipe at Australia, says it would be ‘stupid’ not to phase out coal
“Australia has to realize that as well: 56% coal, still, in that country, is unsustainable,” he said. “One of the highest emissions per capita in the world, it’s unsustainable.”

Shell will acquire Australian energy retailer Powershop

Oil and petroleum giant Shell says it will acquire Australian power provider Powershop, months after a landmark court ruling forced the Dutch energy conglomerate to accelerate its plan to reach net zero carbon emissions.

Blockade Australia: anti-coal activists vow more disruption despite warnings of 25-year jail sentences
Climate activists have used their bodies, rope and glue as part of ‘destructive action’ to block part of the coal supply chain in the Hunter

New ARENA fund to help plug one of last gaps to 100 pct renewables grid
The Australia Renewable Energy Agency is expected to launch a new funding round of around $100 million in early December that will support the roll out of grid forming batteries.