Arabic version: الحكومات تدرس مصفاة نفط مقترحة لشركة بيردامان في أستراليا الغربية

According to ABC News, the Western Australian and federal governments will investigate a proposed large-scale oil refinery in WA as part of efforts to strengthen Australia’s energy security. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and WA Premier Roger Cook are expected to announce a $4 million pre-feasibility study on Tuesday.

The proposed refinery would be built by Perth-headquartered Perdaman, a multinational organisation known for fertiliser production operations. The study is understood to form part of a $15 billion federal package focused on fuel security and energy sovereignty.

Australia has two remaining oil refineries, in Brisbane and Geelong. BP closed its Kwinana refinery south of Perth in 2021; it had been the country’s largest. Just over two decades ago, Australia had eight refineries, but many were shut after being considered economically unviable.

Mr Albanese said the federal government was preparing for future challenges beyond overseas conflict, saying: “The longer war in the Middle East goes on, the greater the impact on Australia will be.” He said the government would “do everything we can to shield Australia from the worst effects”.

The Commonwealth recently confirmed Australia had 42 days’ worth of petrol, 38 days’ worth of diesel and 32 days’ worth of jet fuel. Mr Cook backed Perdaman’s effort to rebuild WA’s capacity to produce and distribute fuel, including diesel for regional communities. Federal Climate Change and Energy Minister Bowen said the government would work with states and territories to build a “more sovereign and secure energy system”.