In a passionate display of activism against climate change, a group of protesters from the Disrupt Burrup Hub organization recently gathered outside the headquarters of energy giant Woodside in Perth. Their aim was to block a major gas project and raise awareness about the environmental concerns surrounding it. The protest resulted in the arrest of one climate activist, while several others received move-on notices from the police.
The activists, armed with signs that read “oil and gas collapse,” “climate action now,” and “Woodside ecocide blood on your hands,” demanded the cancellation of Woodside’s multi-billion dollar liquid natural gas project in Broome. Their main concern revolved around the potential emissions that the project could generate, exacerbating the climate crisis.
On February 20, Western Australian Police took action by placing handcuffs on an individual who was obstructing the carriageway in front of Woodside’s building. This arrest, along with the issuance of five move-on notices, marked a significant police operation in response to the protest.
Interestingly, the timing of the rally coincided with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s visit to Perth. The federal cabinet was in town for three days to discuss crucial matters such as the economy, cost of living, and housing. The presence of the activists during this period aimed to draw attention from policymakers and influence their decision-making on environmental issues.
Disrupt Burrup Hub took to social media to update their followers on the protest. They mentioned that multiple arrests were made during a “significant police operation” at Woodside’s headquarters. The rally saw hundreds of campaigners from the organization, accompanied by drummers, placard bearers, and speeches from politicians and activists who opposed Woodside’s Browse Gas expansion.
The Woodside Browse Project, also known as the Burrup Hub, is described by Woodside as Australia’s largest untapped conventional gas resource. It consists of three gas fields with a capacity to produce 11.4 million tonnes per annum of gas. During an investor presentation in November 2023, Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill highlighted three key requirements for the Browse project: a carbon solution, environmental approvals, and commercial agreement to process Browse gas through the North West Shelf.
Woodside claims to have incorporated emissions reduction measures in the design of the Browse project. These measures include waste heat recovery units on gas turbines, batteries for peak power supply, and the use of nitrogen instead of hydrocarbon gas. According to the company’s website, these efforts are expected to save an average of 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.
The company emphasizes its commitment to reducing emissions intensity through energy efficiency improvements, investments in biosequestration projects, and innovation in production processes. These efforts align with the Woodside Climate Change Policy and demonstrate the company’s dedication to addressing climate concerns.
The recent protest against Woodside’s gas project showcases the growing urgency and determination of climate change activists. With concerns about emissions and environmental impact at the forefront, activists are pushing for a more sustainable future. The arrest of a climate activist during the protest serves as a reminder of the tensions between those advocating for change and the authorities responsible for maintaining public order.
As discussions around climate change intensify globally, it remains to be seen how Woodside and other energy giants will respond to these demands for greater environmental responsibility. The actions and decisions taken by companies like Woodside will undoubtedly shape the future of our planet and determine whether we can effectively combat climate change. The voices of climate activists continue to be heard, pushing governments and corporations to prioritize sustainability and take swift action to mitigate the effects of climate change.
