The New South Wales Government has announced its support for a proposed liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal at the Port of Newcastle.
The Newcastle GasDock project, with an estimated direct onshore investment of up to $250 million at the port, received Critical State Significant Infrastructure (CSSI) status on 14 August 2019 from New South Wales Minister for Planning and Public Spaces, Rob Stokes.
The announcement by New South Wales Acting Premier, John Barilaro, and Mr Stokes recognises the need to significantly increase local gas supply, promote competition between suppliers and put downward pressure on the state’s gas prices.
Port of Newcastle CEO, Craig Carmody, congratulated Mr Stokes and the Berejiklian Government on their support for regional economic development.
“This is a critical future-proofing project for the region. Projects such as the EPIK Newcastle GasDock project open a number of new trade opportunities, develop capability and support businesses and jobs across the Hunter Region and around New South Wales,” Mr Carmody said.
The project – proposed by South Korean group EPIK – involves the use of an LNG Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU), a vessel designed to safely store the liquefied product and then convert it into a useable gas for industrial, commercial and residential customers in New South Wales.
The 170,000m3 class FSRU will connect to a new jetty planned to be built on port land at Kooragang Island, enabling a connection to the existing East Coast natural gas network.
“We are working on a number of projects to diversify the port and support importers and exporters to successfully compete in international markets,” Mr Carmody said.
“This creates jobs and ensures more money is invested back into local communities.”
Mr Carmody congratulated EPIK on the significant milestone as the company works towards a final investment decision in early 2020.
“Port of Newcastle has been a global trade gateway for more than 220 years, and this project introduces new trade and economic growth opportunities for the region and New South Wales,” Mr Carmody said.
“Newcastle has much to offer, including a deepwater shipping channel operating at 50 per cent of its capacity, significant port land available and enviable access to national infrastructure such as rail and road.
“As custodians of our region’s critical asset, we are striving every day to create a safe, sustainable and environmentally and socially responsible port for the future.”
EPIK Founder and Managing Director, Jee Yoon, said the company was pleased with the project’s momentum.
“EPIK’s primary objective is to deliver the most competitive infrastructure solution for natural gas imports into New South Wales,” Mr Yoon said.
“With CSSI status in hand, we are a considerable step closer to delivering the critical infrastructure needed to bring new energy to New South Wales, providing access to long-term, competitive gas supply to the region, safely powering our homes, driving industry forward and keeping prices low for everyone to enjoy.
“Newcastle was chosen because of its strategic location proximate to significant industrial gas and power users, and access into the Sydney Short Term Trading Market, allowing natural gas imported through the Newcastle terminal to reach users throughout New South Wales and the broader southeast Australian market at a competitive price point.
“Port of Newcastle’s support, along with that of the broader business and industrial sector, is greatly appreciated and of much value to the project development.”
