Greens accuse Santos of CSG production by stealth

MEDIA RELEASE - 25 July 2017

NSW Greens energy and resources spokesman Jeremy Buckingham accused the NSW Government of allowing coal seam gas production by stealth at the Narrabri gas project after it approved an extension of the Wilga Park gas-fired power station CSG utilisation project on 14 July 2017.

The Department of Planning has approved Santos supplying coal seam gas to power the 12 megawatt generator from their existing gas wells in the Pilliga Forest for an addition three years, despite the Department putting a specific three year sunset clause on the original approve in 2014 as a “reasonable period” for genuine assessment purposes.

“This is coal seam gas production by stealth.  Santos have already had three years to assess the flow of gas, so this extension is unnecessary and is about Santos generating income from gas production,” said Greens MP Jeremy Buckingham.

“When this was approved in 2014, the Department inserted a specific condition that limited the assessment period to three years and noted that this was a reasonable period to conclude assessment.

“Given Santos has already submitted an extremely detailed Environmental Assessment for their 850 coal seam gas well Narrabri Project, this additional assessment period is not necessary and is clearly production of CSG by stealth.

“The Greens oppose coal seam gas as unnecessary, unwanted and unsafe.  We do not need a new fossil fuel in an age of climate change and competitive renewable energy technologies.

“Energy and Resources Minister Don Harwin should clarify whether Santos is genuinely using the Wilga Park power station for assessment, or whether this is in fact production?”

One comment

  • Absolutely agree with Jeremy’s comments. when will the government rein in these companies for the good of our future. They are just greedy B’s who don’t give a hoot about anything other than money.

    Like

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