On April 1, 2026, Viva Energy’s proposed LNG terminal in Geelong received formal approval under the Federal Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation (EPBC) Act, according to a statement by the company.
Viva Energy said the Environment Minister’s EPBC approval recognises the proposed LNG terminal can proceed, subject to conditions, with acceptable environmental effects.
The approval follows the Victorian government’s positive assessment of an environment effects statement for this energy infrastructure project in May last year.
Viva Energy said its planned gas terminal at Geelong Refinery Pier “is Victoria’s best and most advanced project, capable of delivering a reliable supply to replace Victoria’s rapidly declining natural gas and provide energy security for south-east Australia.”
“Comprehensive studies by independent experts have shown that the gas terminal’s operations will not adversely impact the Corio Bay marine environment or the Ramsar wetlands,” the company said.
Viva Energy did not provide further details, including the timeline for a final investment decision.
FSRU
In 2022, Viva Energy entered into commercial agreements with GeelongPort for the planned FSRU-based LNG import terminal.
The deal included the construction and provision of the necessary pier and berthing infrastructure for the LNG import project.
Before that, Viva signed deals with Woodside and Hoegh LNG, now Hoegh Evi, for the planned FSRU-based terminal.
Under heads of agreements, Woodside planned to book regasification capacity while Hoegh planned to provide the FSRU for the project.
In March last year, Viva Energy engaged LNG consultant Poten & Partners to secure the project’s FSRU.
The new terminal demands a vessel with a capacity between 160,000 cbm and 180,000 cbm of gas, capable of delivering up to 750 million standard cubic feet of gas per day.
