$1bn Atlas & Roma North gas operations expansion to create 900 QLD jobs

Senex Energy has announced that it has secured the final EPBC approval for the expansion of its Atlas and Roma North projects from the Federal Government, green lighting the delivery of the $1 billion project. 

The final approval is the final hurdle to get works underway on the expansion, which is expected to create 900 Queensland jobs, including 200 ongoing jobs. This expansion is also expected to inject thousands of dollars into local businesses and communities. 

“Senex’s investment will create more than 900 Queensland jobs with many of these roles based in the regions. Around 200 highly skilled, well-paid jobs will be ongoing as a result of Senex’s investment. 

“The expansion will also inject more than $200 million into local businesses and communities. 

“Our $1 billion expansion will put people in work, support businesses and families on our regional areas and provide long-term benefits to Queenslanders. 

“The royalties delivered through this multi-decade investment will fund hospitals, roads, emergency services and more, as we support Australia’s energy security through the net zero transition and beyond,” Senex Energy CEO Ian Davies said. 

Senex Energy has already secured eight long-term supply agreements for the project, with local Australian manufacturers like CSR supporting the expansion. 

The expansion of the Atlas and Roma North operations in the Surat Basin is expected to deliver 60 petajoules (PJ) of natural gas annually from 2025. This represents more than 10 per cent of annual east coast domestic gas requirements. 

The Queensland Energy and Jobs Plan identifies up to 3GW of low to zero emissions hydrogen ready gas generation to provide backup as the State builds a renewable energy grid. 

Renewable energy is expected to supply 80 per cent of the region’s electricity needs by 2035 with long-duration hydro energy storage storing enough energy to end reliance on coal generators. 

“I welcome the news that Senex’s $1 billion expansion project can now move forward. 

“Senex’s project is another example of how Queensland continues to do the heavy lifting when it comes to domestic gas supply. 

“Since 2017, Queensland released more than 20,000 kilometres of land exclusively for Australian domestic supply. 

“Unlocking more gas and supplying it to the domestic market is critical for both households and our manufacturing industry,” Resources and Critical Minerals Minister Scott Stewart said. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Senex Energy