ExxonMobil Australia subsidiary Esso Australia , together with Mitsui and Woodside Energy , have confirmed a $200 million investment in the Kipper 1B Project , with the aim of strengthening gas supply in Australia.
A Kipper 1B gas supply project in Australia
This project involves the drilling and installation of a new subsea well in the Kipper field, using the VALARIS 107 jack-up platform . In addition, improvements will be made to the West Tuna platform, which will allow for the optimization of gas production and distribution capacity.
Projects such as Kipper 1B are vital to helping meet the country’s energy security needs by bringing new supply online that will be used exclusively for Australia’s domestic market.
Natural gas is a safety net for our energy system, ensuring reliable and affordable energy for homes and businesses while providing the stability needed to transition to a low-carbon future.
Simon Younger, President of ExxonMobil Australia.
Drilling at the Kipper field is scheduled to commence later this year, with simultaneous upgrades to the West Tuna platform. Production from this project is expected to be available to the market before winter 2026, contributing to Australia’s gas supply.
Esso Australia operates in the Bass Strait as part of the Gippsland Basin joint venture and Kipper unit, where it collaborates with Woodside and Mitsui on multiple energy initiatives. This investment follows recent projects such as the Kipper Compression and West Barracouta, which have been important in optimising gas infrastructure in the region.
Esso, Mitsui and Woodside’s investment in the Gippsland Basin reinforces their commitment to Australia’s energy security, ensuring natural gas remains an affordable and efficient energy source for years to come.
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Source: ExxonMobil Australia
Photo: Shutterstock
