Today marks a landmark moment for the Northern Territory’s economy and energy future and an important step forward for Australia’s energy security.
First gas from Tamboran’s Beetaloo operations on 1 September marks the beginning of a new chapter for the Territory, with the potential to unlock billions of dollars in investment, create thousands of jobs and generate opportunities for Territorians for generations to come.
The achievement is the culmination of years of exploration, investment, regulatory assessment and engagement, and provides a glimpse of what a fully developed Beetaloo can deliver for the Territory, and Australia’s future gas supply.
A new economic opportunity
The economic benefits of developing the Beetaloo will flow across the Territory.
The basin is forecast to generate more than $17 billion in economic value over the next two decades and support more than 13,000 jobs by 2040 through royalties, business growth, construction activity and long-term employment opportunities.
Under a binding gas sales agreement with the Northern Territory Government, Tamboran will supply up to 40 terajoules of gas a day to the Territory.
Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said today’s milestone was “a pivotal moment in the Territory’s history, and a turning point in our bright future as a decade of potential becomes production”.
"As a Government, we are so incredibly proud to say that gas from the Beetaloo Basin will be powering Territory homes and businesses. Every time Territorians flick on a light switch, or pull a cold beer from the fridge, they'll see the benefits of the Beetaloo Basin at work,” she said.
"The Beetaloo Basin will usher in a new era of energy security, industrial development, and economic prosperity and opportunity for Territorians and our nation."
The Territory already understands what a strong gas industry can deliver.
Natural gas provides around 81 per cent of the Territory’s electricity, and the industry supports around 3,500 jobs and contributes around $2.3 billion a year to the local economy.
With Beetaloo Energy aiming for first gas production later this year, the Beetaloo has the potential to build on the foundation of Darwin's LNG industry to become another pillar of the Territory's economy.
Energy security beyond the Territory
The significance of the Beetaloo extends well beyond the Northern Territory.
The Beetaloo’s abundant gas resources could help ease supply pressures in the east coast gas market, meet growing regional LNG demand and attract investment in the data centres driving the digital economy.
Australia needs continued investment in new gas supply to support households, manufacturers and a reliable electricity system. The Beetaloo can play an important role in meeting those needs and strengthening Australia’s energy security.
Turning that opportunity into reality will require continued investment and confidence in the Territory as a place to develop major projects.
The Northern Territory Government has made unlocking Beetaloo gas central to its economic agenda, delivering tangible reforms to speed up approvals, support enabling infrastructure and encourage investment.
That approach matters because investment is never guaranteed. The Territory competes with jurisdictions across Australia and around the world for the capital needed to develop major projects.
This requires stable and competitive policy settings, timely approvals and confidence that projects which meet the required standards can proceed without unnecessary delays.
Australian Energy Producers Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch commended the NT Government for recognising the opportunity presented by the Beetaloo and working to streamline approvals and reduce unnecessary red tape while maintaining strong environmental standards.
“The opportunity now is to build on this momentum and attract the investment needed to unlock the full economic and energy security potential of the Beetaloo for the Territory and Australia,” she said.
"Australia will need new sources of gas supply to meet future demand and ensure Australian households, manufacturers and businesses have reliable and affordable energy."
Industry’s strong Territory presence
The first gas milestone coincides with NT Resources Week in Darwin. Ms McCulloch will be in the Beetaloo for the first gas milestone, and will be a keynote speaker at the South East Asia Australia Offshore & Onshore Conference (SEAAOC) on Wednesday 2 September.
Our Australia Runs on Natural Gas campaign will also have a prominent presence across Darwin, with advertising at Darwin Airport, digital outdoor displays on high-traffic roads, geo-targeted Meta advertising, a full-page advertisement and homepage takeover in the NT News, and an opinion piece in Resources Territory.
For more information on Northern Territory-related matters, please contact Australian Energy Producers NT Director Ryan Neve on rneve@energyproducers.au.