Inpex Charged Over Ichthys LNG Emissions Breaches in Australia
The Northern Territory Environment Protection Authority in Australia has charged Japanese energy giant Inpex with under-reporting emissions from its Ichthys liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant near Darwin. The charges cover alleged licence breaches, including the under-reporting of benzene and toluene emissions between 2019 and 2024.
Inpex had previously disclosed significant under-reporting of emissions at the plant in October, prompting a regulatory review of operations at both Ichthys LNG and Santos' Darwin LNG. The review made 23 recommendations for tougher rules, including the installation of continuous emissions monitoring equipment at major emission sources.
The regulator will draft amendments to existing licences this month reflecting these changes. Climate group Environment Centre NT has welcomed the decision, calling it a 'massive win for Darwin residents'.