According to the company’s website news release on March 8, 2023, Viva Energy Group Limited confirms that it has received a request by the Victorian Planning Minister, the Hon Sonya Kilkenny MP, for supplementary information in relation to its gas terminal project proposed for Geelong.
The Minister has requested that Viva Energy submit a supplementary statement to assist in her decision as to whether the proposed project can be approved. Specifically, the Minister is seeking additional information with respect to matters relating to the marine environment, air quality, noise, and Aboriginal cultural heritage.
Viva Energy is currently assessing the requested supplemental process, together with the report of the Independent Advisory Committee (IAC), which will be published shortly. The IAC report follows the completion of the extensive Environmental Effects Statement (EES) process. That process required detailed review by Government and the relevant regulatory agencies of the scope and studies necessary to develop the EES, to ensure the adequacy of the submission for its review and assessment.
The EES identified the strength of the proposed location, in an existing port and industrial zone with access to a highly skilled manufacturing workforce. It also highlighted synergies with the existing refinery operation in relation to water use and proximity to the Victorian gas transmission system, negating the need for extensive pipelines and other onshore infrastructure.
Viva Energy will review the supplemental process and the IAC report to determine next steps, including to assess the likely impact to timing for the project; noting that the timeframe to Final Investment Decision (FID) for the project is expected to be delayed.
The Company remains confident about the long-term demand profile underpinning the project, given the regulatory forecasts that indicate a need for gas imports to supply Victoria’s natural gas supply in the coming years.
Viva Energy also remains focused on developing its other projects at the Geelong Energy Hub, including its Hydrogen Refuelling Project, Diesel Storage, Ultra Low Sulphur Gasoline (ULSG) production at the Refinery and solar energy generation.
