The future of Australia's largest fossil fuel project was locked in last year, with federal approval extending its life for nearly half a century. In 2024, the federal environment minister gave Woodside the green light to continue operating its North West Shelf gas project until 2070.
The 'Transition Fuel' Argument
Both the federal government and Woodside itself have vigorously defended this decision. Their central claim is that natural gas serves as a crucial 'transition fuel' for Australia and the world as global economies work to reduce carbon emissions. They argue it provides a reliable, lower-emission alternative to coal while renewable energy capacity is scaled up.
However, this rationale is facing intense scrutiny. Critics question the logic of investing in fossil fuel infrastructure with a lifespan stretching to 2070, a date far beyond the net-zero targets set by Australia and many other nations. The debate goes to the heart of the nation's energy and climate policy.
Capturing the Narrative: Woodside's Influence
In her work, notably the Quarterly Essay titled 'Woodside vs the Planet', award-winning investigative journalist and author Marian Wilkinson delves into this controversy. She explores a compelling question: How did one company manage to profoundly influence the national conversation and convince policymakers and the public of its indispensable role?
Wilkinson's investigation suggests that Woodside has executed a sophisticated and long-term strategy to embed itself at the centre of Australia's economic and energy identity. This involves not just lobbying but shaping the narrative around energy security, jobs, and economic prosperity, effectively aligning the company's interests with what is presented as the national interest.
The Long Shadow to 2070
The approval to operate until 2070 represents more than a regulatory decision; it is a substantial bet on the future of fossil fuels in a decarbonising world. It commits Australia to a specific energy pathway for decades, with significant implications for meeting climate commitments.
The arguments for gas as a bridge fuel are now colliding with the accelerating pace of renewable technology and falling costs. The essential conflict, as highlighted by analysts and journalists like Wilkinson, is whether this long-term fossil fuel investment will accelerate or hinder the clean energy transition it claims to support.
The episode featuring Marian Wilkinson's insights was originally published by the 7am podcast in September 2025. It forms part of a critical examination of corporate power, political decision-making, and the stories told about Australia's economic future in the age of climate change.
