DILI (TOP) – There are two big pieces of news coming from the giant company Woodside regarding LNG Timor-Leste which were published in Energy Voice last Friday's edition.
The first news is, “Woodside open to onshore LNG export project in East Timor”, and the second one is, Woodside boss makes blunder with East-Timor LNG comments in the 2 December 2022 edition.
President of the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste, José Ramos-Horta said, Meg O’Neill stated well-known facts. First, it has long been known that it is technically feasable to bring a pipeline from Timor Sea to Timor-Leste. Second, Mrs O'Neil showed greater management wisdom than her predecessors by stating that the Timor-Leste option should be put on the table even if there are concerns about costs. These concerns can be discussed and resolved.
There's strong national consensus in TL that a pipeline from Greater Sunrise to TL is the best option from commercial perspective and for the long term sustainable development of TIMOR-LESTE. A solid national consensus prevails across all political spectrum and Timorese society that much greater advantages will be impact TL economic future with an onshore LNG facility.
“There is no deviation in Timor-Leste from this long standing view as there has not beeing any honest, credible, verifiable alternative option,” President Horta said as quoted from his official Facebook page.
He added, main argument so far in support of the pipeline going to Darwin, 500 kms away, has been that there are already NLG infrastructures in place in NT. These were built at the extremely exorbitant Australian labor and tax costs to benefit Australia and its JV partners.
“Timor-Leste should not be made to pay for existing mammoth LNG facilities in Darwin owned by others.”
The report that prominent Timorese leaders are having second thoughts on the development of Greater Sunrise is ill informed, a dishonest misinformation planted by Australian side.
“The difference between us and Australian leaders is that we have explored, studied, alternative options. The Australian side, both Government and the Joint Venture, have simply brushed aside the weaker partner legitimate, well argued case. Based on what would we reconsider our preferred option?.”
Horta said, no better options have been presented. Experience with Bayu Undan and ConocoPhillips has been a very bitter one. Timorese workers participation was irrisory, token, insulting. Australian workers flying from Darwin to Dili on the way to Bayu Undan walked pass immigration and health controls as if TL was an Australian enclave.
“We still believe that PM Albanese Government is serious about being different, committed to Timor-Leste long term prosperity and stability. Let's see it with strong support to the development of Greater Sunrise on Timor-Leste’s shore.”
Meanwhile, some comments from Australia suggested President Horta not trust the Australian government or Woodside Energy to develop the Greater Sunrise for the benefit of the Timorese. They will do everything to ensure the pipeline will go to Darwin onshore LNG facility, as this facility without greater Sunrise is not feasible to continue operating.
