Greenpeace Activists Charged After Disrupting Woodside's Scarborough Gas Project

Two Greenpeace activists were charged on October 19, 2026, after they boarded and occupied Woodside Energy's Scarborough gas platform off Western Australia, causing the company to pause pre-commissioning work on the project[1][6]. This disruption stalled progress on a project expected to produce up to 8 million tonnes per annum (Mtpa) of liquefied natural gas when fully operational[14][15].

This event highlights the escalating conflict between environmental groups and fossil fuel companies over major energy projects, directly impacting project timelines and costs[6][9]. The Scarborough project, a significant contributor to Australia's gas exports, faces persistent opposition over its projected greenhouse gas emissions and impact on marine ecosystems[6][11].

What the records show

The Scarborough gas project involves developing gas resources located approximately 375 kilometers off Western Australia in the Carnarvon Basin[2][3][4]. The project includes new offshore facilities, such as a semi-submersible floating production unit (FPU) moored in about 900 to 950 meters of water[3][4][5]. A 430-kilometer subsea pipeline connects these offshore facilities to the Pluto LNG onshore facility near Karratha[2][3][4]. The project aims to commercialize approximately 5 Mtpa of Scarborough gas through Pluto Train 2 and up to 3 Mtpa through modifications to the existing Pluto Train 1[14][15]. The gas from the Scarborough field contains about 0.1% carbon dioxide, and Woodside aims for Pluto Train 2 to have a greenhouse gas intensity of approximately 0.26 tCO2e/tLNG[12][16]. Woodside Energy is the operator of the Scarborough Joint Venture with a 74.9% participating interest[5]. JERA holds a 15.1% non-participating interest and LNG Japan holds a 10% non-participating interest[5]. For Pluto Train 2, Woodside holds a 51% participating interest, and Global Infrastructure Partners holds a 49% non-participating interest[5].

The timeline

Woodside Energy approved the Final Investment Decision for its Scarborough and Pluto Train 2 developments on November 22, 2021[16]. Construction activities for Pluto Train 2 began in August 2022[15]. By December 30, 2024, Pluto Train 2 modules had been delivered to Australia[15]. On October 17, 2026, Greenpeace campaigners scaled the 70,000-tonne floating production unit at the Scarborough gas site[8]. Two activists set up temporary hanging tents and slept on the platform overnight[6][9]. On October 18, 2026, Woodside paused pre-commissioning work at the Scarborough project[6][7][9]. The two activists who remained on the platform were taken into police custody later that Sunday[6]. On October 19, 2026, these two Greenpeace activists were due to face court[1].

What changed and for whom

Woodside Energy paused pre-commissioning work at the Scarborough project following the protest[6][7][9]. This halt occurred just ahead of the project's anticipated first liquefied natural gas cargo in the fourth quarter of 2026[6][8]. Greenpeace stated the project would cause