Viva Energy’s proposed gas terminal in Geelong has received formal approval under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act.
“Viva Energy welcomes the Environment Minister’s EPBC approval, that recognises the proposed Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) terminal can proceed, subject to conditions, with acceptable environmental effects,” the company said in a statement.
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“The approval follows the Victorian Government’s positive assessment of an Environment Effects Statement for this vital energy infrastructure project in May last year.
“Viva Energy’s planned gas terminal at Geelong Refinery Pier is capable of delivering a reliable supply to replace Victoria’s rapidly declining natural gas and provide energy security for south-east Australia.
“Comprehensive studies by independent experts have shown that the gas terminal’s operations will not adversely impact the Corio Bay marine environment or the Ramsar wetlands.”
Viva Energy says its Geelong gas terminal will:
- Solve Victoria’s gas supply concerns flexibly and cost effectively
- Unlock a pathway to bring the most cost-effective liquefied natural gas (LNG) from Australian gas fields in northern Australia or from the global market
- Ensure reliable supply for 2.2 million households in Victoria that rely heavily on gas for heating and cooking
- Ensure industry has access to a reliable gas supply to help secure jobs and their futures; and
- Support the energy transition by ensuring enough gas for electricity generation as coal retires and when renewables aren’t generating.
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The Viva Energy Hub Gas Terminal includes a new pier, a floating terminal to process the LNG which would be located at an existing industrial location adjacent to our refinery and a short pipeline to tie-in to the existing gas transmission infrastructure.
