National energy resources sector lights up as gas from Beetaloo 100 days away

20 May 2026

• The Finocchiaro CLP Government is promoting the Beetaloo Sub-basin at the 2026 Australian Energy Producers Conference, with gas production expected in less than 100 days.
   
• The Beetaloo project will boost Australia’s energy security, create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen the Territory’s economy.
   
• Major infrastructure and investment projects are progressing, including the Territory Energy Link, APA’s Sturt Plateau pipeline, and Tamboran’s processing facility, with more gas development planned by other companies later in 2026.

The Finocchiaro CLP Government is taking the Northern Territory’s energy future to the national stage this week at the 2026 Australian Energy Producers (AEP) Conference and Exhibition in Adelaide, as the Beetaloo Sub-basin moves to within 100 days of gas.  

The annual conference provides a major opportunity to promote the Territory as a secure, globally competitive energy producer and strengthen relationships with leading explorers, producers and investors.

With gas from the Beetaloo now imminent, the Territory is entering a transformational phase in its energy future, with the Tamboran/Daly Waters Energy Joint Venture expected to deliver 40TJ/day into the Territory gas market.

Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro said the Beetaloo was one of the most significant economic opportunities in Australia.

“The Beetaloo Sub-basin is not just a Territory opportunity, it is a nation-building project that will strengthen Australia’s energy security and deliver jobs and investment for Territorians,” Mrs Finocchiaro said.

“In our year of growth, certainty and security, we are focused on rebuilding the economy, creating local jobs and restoring confidence in the Territory as a place to invest.

“With gas now only months away, the eyes of the global energy sector are on the Northern Territory, and we are making it clear that the Territory is open for business.

“Recent global instability has reinforced the importance of sovereign energy capability. Developing the Beetaloo will help secure reliable domestic gas supply and reduce reliance on volatile overseas markets.”

As part of the conference, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro will host an exclusive industry breakfast to showcase the Beetaloo and the Territory’s strategic advantages to national and international stakeholders.

Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley said the conference highlighted the Territory’s growing momentum as a major energy producer.

“The Finocchiaro CLP Government is backing the resources and energy sector because we know it creates jobs, drives investment and underpins long-term economic growth,” Mr Maley said.

“We are progressing critical enabling infrastructure like the 670-kilometre Territory Energy Link to unlock private investment and strengthen the Territory’s role in Australia’s future energy supply.

“We are also seeing strong investor confidence across the Beetaloo, with APA’s Sturt Plateau pipeline completed, Tamboran’s Shenandoah South processing facility nearing completion, and new investment flowing into local Territory businesses.”

Mr Maley said the Government’s latest acreage release, covering approximately 4,000 square kilometres near existing infrastructure including the Amadeus Gas Pipeline and Stuart Highway, had generated strong industry interest.

“That interest confirms the Beetaloo’s position as a globally competitive gas province and reinforces the Territory’s critical role in supporting Australia’s long-term energy security,” he said.

Additional gas supply is also expected from Beetaloo Energy Australia later this year, while Santos is scheduled to drill three new wells in the Beetaloo from mid-2026.  

Media contact: Olivia Coleman – 0407 089 389

Image (L-R): Chief Executive Officer Tamboran Resources Todd Abbott, Minister for Mining and Energy Gerard Maley, Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro and INPEX Managing Director, Country Chair Australia Tetsu Murayama at the Australian Energy Producers Conference in Adelaide, 20 May 2026.