The proposed Port Kembla gas terminal could end up supporting thousands of jobs in the Illawarra, according to an environmental impact statement.
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Australian Industrial Energy is proposing to build a liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal in the port, where the gas will be stored inside a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) docked at the berth.
When needed, the gas will be removed from the FRSU and sent via pipeline.
The project has been touted as providing more energy security for gas-dependent businesses.
“Operation of the project would generate economic benefits through some direct job creation and the potential supply of gas to industrial users that support in the order of 15,000 jobs in the region and over 300,000 jobs across NSW.,” the statement said.
The terminal is not expected to lead to a huge increase in shipping movements in and out of the port.
The EIS said the terminal will see an LNG delivery every two to three weeks.
That equated to just four vessel movements a month.
“The LNG carrier movements are low in proportion to the vessels movements anticipated from other operational arrangements at the port (1680 to 2380 vessel movements per year) and are not expected to significantly increase vessel movements or restrict navigability within the port,” the statement said.
However, the new terminal would require changes to the navigating practices now in operation in the port.
The statement also looked into the possibility of LNG leaking from the carrier or the FSRU used to hold the gas
“The assessment found that risk to people or property in sensitive areas, residential areas or commercial areas was very low.”