Reliable energy or ‘carbon bomb’? What’s at stake in the battle over Australia’s North West Shelf

The North West Shelf project in Karratha, Western Australia. Critics say the case for extending its life fails on multiple fronts, while Woodside Energy claims it would ‘secure reliable energy for decades to come’. Photograph: JALARU/The Guardian

The new environment minister, Murray Watt, says he plans to decide on whether Australia’s biggest-emitting gas development can extend its life until 2070 by the end of the month.

What will he consider in making that decision – and what’s at stake?