Pluto Train 2 LNG Project to Drive Economic Growth and Jobs in Western Australia

✅Introducction

Construction has officially begun on the Pluto Train 2 project, a landmark development set to bolster Western Australia’s liquefied natural gas (LNG) capacity while delivering significant economic and social benefits to the region.

This milestone marks a pivotal chapter in Western Australia’s energy landscape and broader economic recovery, promising to create thousands of jobs and underpin long-term prosperity.

The project was formally launched by the Honourable Roger Cook, MLA, is the Deputy Premier of Western Australia.

at a ceremony held in Karratha, highlighting the government’s strong commitment to advancing critical infrastructure that will fuel both domestic and export energy markets.

✅Pluto Train 2: Expanding Capacity and Supporting Domestic Energy Needs

Pluto Train 2 will serve as the second LNG processing train at Woodside Energy’s existing Pluto LNG onshore facility, strategically located within the current Pluto LNG boundary.

This new train is designed to process gas sourced from the Scarborough gas field, one of Australia’s most significant recent offshore discoveries.

With an expected LNG production capacity of approximately five million tonnes per annum, Pluto Train 2 will considerably enhance the facility’s throughput, helping to meet growing demand in international markets.

Additionally, to strengthen Australia’s domestic energy security, supplementary infrastructure will be installed to provide around 225 terajoules of domestic gas per day.

This is enough to power approximately 10,000 households for an entire year, ensuring continued reliability for local consumers and industries.

The project is being executed in partnership with Bechtel, the global engineering and construction giant, which will manage the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) phases.

✅Economic and Social Benefits for Western Australia

Woodside Energy, the operator of both Pluto Train 2 and the Scarborough development, has made strong commitments to the Western Australian Government through comprehensive community development plans.

These plans aim to foster sustainable, positive outcomes for local communities — particularly within the Pilbara region, where the project is based.

Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill emphasised the significance of Pluto Train 2, describing it as a key milestone that will generate substantial economic growth and job opportunities, both during construction and into the long-term operational phase.

Woodside is proud to build upon the economic contribution it has made over the past 35 years to Western Australian communities, Ms O’Neill said.

The Scarborough gas, processed through an expanded and efficient Pluto facility, will support decarbonisation efforts by our customers in Asia and provide a major boost to local investment in education, training, and employment.

The company anticipates that Pluto Train 2 will support approximately 2,000 jobs at peak construction in 2024.

Importantly, a significant portion of these roles is expected to be filled by Western Australian residents, including many Indigenous workers — a reflection of Woodside and Bechtel’s commitment to local and Indigenous participation.

Bechtel Energy President Paul Marsden expressed pride in delivering such a strategically important project for the Asia-Pacific region.

We are honoured to contribute to local communities by creating jobs and enhancing energy security, Mr Marsden stated.

Our involvement ensures not only economic benefits but also lasting improvements to quality of life where we operate.

✅Early Works and Site Preparation Underway

Work on Pluto Train 2 has already commenced, with site preparation activities in progress.

This includes the installation of essential facilities such as offices and crib huts to support the construction workforce.

Initial earthworks and clearing of laydown and storage areas have also started, signalling the project’s transition from planning to physical development.

These early-stage activities, undertaken before the end of 2022, are critical for establishing the infrastructure that will support the full-scale build-out of the LNG train and associated systems.

✅Bechtel: A Trusted Partner in Engineering Excellence

Founded in 1898, Bechtel has grown into One of the most respected companies in the world specializes in engineering, construction, and project management firms.

The company has delivered more than 25,000 projects across 160 countries and all seven continents, ranging from energy and infrastructure to mining and transportation.

Renowned for the quality of its people and unwavering commitment to successful project delivery, Bechtel focuses on aligning its capabilities with customer objectives to create enduring positive impacts.

In Western Australia, Bechtel’s experience and expertise have been crucial in supporting large-scale energy developments that drive economic growth, create skilled employment, and improve community wellbeing.

✅Supporting Regional Development and Indigenous Participation

A core component of the Pluto Train 2 project is its emphasis on sustainable community engagement and development, especially with Indigenous Australians.

Both Woodside and Bechtel have actively engaged with local and Indigenous businesses, awarding contracts to support the project’s delivery and ensure economic benefits are distributed widely.

These initiatives are designed not only to create immediate employment opportunities but also to build local capacity and skills that will have lasting benefits beyond the life of the project.

By fostering partnerships and nurturing talent within the Pilbara region, the project helps address socio-economic disparities and contributes to reconciliation efforts.

Energy Security and Decarbonisation Goals 🔋

Moreover, the new domestic gas infrastructure installed as part of the project reinforces Australia’s energy security, ensuring reliable gas supply for households and industries alike.

✅Broader Economic Impact: Jobs, Training, and Supply Chains

The Pluto Train 2 project is anticipated to stimulate investment well beyond the immediate construction site.

Long-term commitments to education and vocational training are being made to equip the local workforce with skills aligned to emerging energy sector needs.

As Ms O’Neill highlighted, Many opportunities will be realised through increased investment in training, growing jobs, and strengthening supply chains across Western Australia.

This ripple effect supports small and medium enterprises, encourages innovation, and boosts economic resilience within the region.

✅A Sustainable Future for Western Australia’s Energy Sector

By delivering expanded LNG capacity and reinforcing domestic energy infrastructure, Pluto Train 2 contributes significantly to Western Australia’s position as a leading energy exporter.

The project exemplifies how responsible resource development can generate economic prosperity while addressing community and environmental priorities.

Woodside and Bechtel’s collaborative approach, focusing on local content and sustainable outcomes, sets a benchmark for future developments in the Pilbara and beyond.

✅Conclusion: A Landmark Project for the Pilbara and Beyond

The commencement of construction on Pluto Train 2 marks a milestone with wide-ranging implications for Western Australia’s economy, energy security, and social fabric.

With an anticipated peak workforce of 2,000 and strong commitments to community development, the project exemplifies sustainable growth in action.

By expanding LNG production capacity and supporting Australia’s domestic gas market, Pluto Train 2 will help meet energy demands both locally and internationally for decades to come, positioning Western Australia at the forefront of the global energy transition.

As construction progresses, continued focus on Indigenous participation, regional employment, and environmental stewardship will ensure the project delivers lasting benefits for all Western Australians.