ConocoPhillips launches battery project at Darwin LNG

US energy company and LNG player ConocoPhillips has launched a battery project for Darwin LNG set to reduce power generation carbon emissions by 20 percent, as well as cut fuel gas consumption and operating costs.

Santos, a partner in Darwin LNG, said that the project was a world first for an LNG plant, and involves the integration of battery technology with existing power generation turbines.

The project will now move into the front-end engineering and design phase of development and is targeting completion by the middle of next year.

Santos managing director and CEO Kevin Gallagher said: “[the company is aiming] to achieve our goal of net zero emissions by 2050.

“As well as cutting our carbon footprint, the Darwin LNG battery project – as with our solar and battery project in the Cooper [Basin] – cuts costs and means we can sell more gas. Since its establishment in 2007, it has offset more than 2 million tonnes of CO2.”

According to Santos, the project also protects local wildlife and rainforest vegetation and provides social, cultural and economic benefits for the local Aboriginal community, resulting in the employment and fire management training of more than 200 traditional owners and rangers.

Darwin LNG facility is operated by ConocoPhillips while Santos has an 11.5 percent share in the project.