The FEED contract is for the design of the first phase of the project, which includes two LNG processing trains each with a capacity of 4.3 million tonnes per annum (MMt/a) and a domestic gas plant. Initial supply is expected to come from Chevron’s 100 per cent interest in the Wheatstone field and the Chevron-operated Iago field.
President of Chevron Asia Pacific Exploration and Production Company Jim Blackwell acknowledged the FEED award, as well as the earlier results of a successful exploration and appraisal program at the Wheatstone and Iago fields, as key achievements for the Wheatstone project.
“The Chevron-operated Wheatstone and Gorgon projects are set to position Chevron as a major LNG operator and will deliver energy, jobs and economic benefits to Australia, as well as assist in meeting expected long-term demand growth for natural gas in Asia,”? said Mr Blackwell.
Chevron Australia managing director Roy Krzywosinski added “Wheatstone is a key part of our plans to commercialise our significant natural gas resource base in Australia and also future gas development opportunities in the western Carnarvon Basin, including third party gas.”?
Discovered in 2004, the Wheatstone field is located in the WA-253-P and WA-17-R permit areas. The adjacent Iago field was discovered in 2000 and spans two retention permits, WA-17-R, which is wholly-owned by Chevron Australia, and WA-16-R, in which Chevron has a majority holding. Together, these fields hold enough natural gas to supply a two train LNG development.