Mooted WA oil refinery ‘dinosaur technology’ amid clean energy transition, experts say
Australia has only two operating oil refineries after six closures since 2003, and a proposed new refinery in Western Australia is under a $4 million feasibility study. Climate experts argue the project would rely on outdated technology, be uneconomic, and require government subsidies. They recommend directing public funds toward renewable fuel technologies instead of expanding fossil‑fuel infrastructure.
- ▪Six Australian oil refineries have closed between 2003 and 2026, leaving just two operational, including the Ampol Lytton refinery in Queensland.
- ▪The federal and Western Australian governments announced a $4 million early‑stage feasibility study for a new refinery in the Pilbara region.
- ▪Experts say the proposed refinery would likely be uneconomic and depend on subsidies to compete with more efficient Asian refineries.
- ▪Australia’s domestic crude production is declining sharply and is projected to cease within seven years, making the new plant dependent on imported crude.
- ▪Analysts note that about 95% of Australia’s fuel is currently imported, so a new refinery would add little to national fuel security.
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| Original publisher | The Guardian — World |
| Canonical URL | https://www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2026/jul/29/western-australia-oil-refinery-feasibility-study |
| Publication time | Wed, 29 Jul 2026 06:15:55 GMT |
| Retrieval time | 2026-07-29T06:46:38.817Z |
| Last seen | 2026-07-29T06:46:38.817Z |
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Six oil refineries in Australia closed between 2003 and 2026, leaving just two operating, including the Ampol Lytton refinery in Queensland. Photograph: Darren England/AAPView image in fullscreenSix oil refineries in Australia closed between 2003 and 2026, leaving just two operating, including the Ampol Lytton refinery in Queensland. Photograph: Darren England/AAPWestern AustraliaMooted WA oil refinery ‘dinosaur technology’ amid clean energy transition, experts sayA feasibility study for the Western Australian project will show the project is uneconomic and requires government subsidies, experts say Follow our Australia news live blog for latest updates Sign up for climate and environment editor Adam Morton’s free Clear Air newsletter here Get our breaking news email, free app or daily…
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