NATURAL gas producer Woodside Energy has commenced construction on a gas-transporting train as part of an LNG export project on the Western Australian coast.

The new train is the second of two built for the company’s Scarborough to Pluto Train 2 project.

Construction is underway at Woodside Energy’s onshore Pluto LNG facility near Karratha in the Pilbara region. The offshore Scarborough facility is positioned around 375 kilometres off the coast of Western Australia.

Once completed, the overarching $16 billion LNG development will see gas from the offshore Scarborough resource processed at the onshore Pluto LNG facility.

The Pluto Train 2 project is expected to facilitate the export of around 8 million tonnes of LNG each year.

It will also support the delivery of around 1400 petajoules of gas to the Western Australian market through a new domestic gas production facility to be built at the Pluto site.

The gas supply from the Scarborough field is expected to help meet the increasing global demand for LNG as a transnational energy source.

Roger Cook, minister for state development, jobs and trade, said Western Australia’s LNG exports account for 56% of the nation’s overall export volumes of the gas.

“By itself, WA is the world’s third largest LNG exporter, with 12% of global LNG supply in 2021,” Mr Cook said.

“Right now, we have a significant opportunity to further position the state as a safe and reliable supplier of LNG to the world, while strengthening our economy and delivering new local jobs.

Pilbara MLA Kevin Michael also anticipated the benefits the project would have for the region.

“Not only will the project boost the Pilbara’s economy, but it will also establish a strong position for WA as one of the world’s largest LNG exporters.”

State premier Mark McGowan said the Scarborough to Pluto Train 2 development would deliver domestic gas and economic stimulus in the state for decades.

“The commencement of construction at the Pluto Train 2 site is another great milestone for Woodside Energy, its partners, and for WA,” he said.

“I congratulate them on progressing with this significant project and look forward to working together to deliver opportunities and benefits to Western Australians.”

The Scarborough to Pluto Train 2 development is subject to all necessary approvals, including environmental approvals.