Woodside Energy’s Pluto Train 2 LNG project has achieved a significant milestone with the arrival of the final modules required for the expansion of the Pluto LNG facility. This marks a critical step toward initiating liquefied natural gas (LNG) production, scheduled to commence in 2026. Since February 2024, a total of 51 modules weighing a combined 56,000 tonnes have been transported from Batam, Indonesia, to Karratha, Western Australia, supporting the facility's expansion.

The new processing train will have the capacity to produce approximately five million tonnes per annum (mtpa) of LNG. Alongside this, the project includes the development of domestic gas infrastructure capable of delivering up to 225 terajoules per day to the local market, reinforcing its contribution to regional energy needs. Engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) activities for Pluto Train 2, managed by Bechtel, commenced in August 2022, highlighting steady progress in the project's execution.

Liz Westcott, Woodside's Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for Australia, praised the milestone, stating, “The scale of what has been delivered is an incredible achievement and reflects the team’s commitment and professionalism.” She noted that the Scarborough Energy project, integral to Pluto Train 2, is now over 75% complete, with teams focusing on module integration and commissioning to ensure readiness for the first LNG cargo from Scarborough in 2026.

The inclusion of a second LNG processing train at the Pluto LNG facility is a strategic move to efficiently handle gas from the Scarborough offshore field, bolstering the project's economic and energy contributions. Paul Marsden, President of Bechtel Energy, acknowledged the successful module delivery program as a testament to the strong partnership between Woodside and Bechtel on this venture.

The Scarborough Energy project is poised to significantly impact Australia’s economy, with an estimated A$50 billion ($31 billion) in direct and indirect tax contributions over its lifecycle. Additionally, the construction phase is expected to create more than 3,000 jobs, while operations are projected to sustain or generate nearly 600 jobs on average.

With these developments, the Pluto Train 2 LNG project stands as a cornerstone of Woodside Energy’s expansion strategy, demonstrating its commitment to delivering substantial energy solutions and economic benefits to the region. The collaboration between Woodside and Bechtel underscores the project's robust progress and readiness to meet its ambitious goals for 2026.

Woodside Energy Group Ltd (formerly known as Woodside Petroleum Ltd) is an Australian company specializing in petroleum exploration and production. As the operator of oil and gas production in Australia, Woodside is also the country's largest independent, dedicated oil and gas firm.