ConocoPhillips’ Alaskan Alpine project
Willow approval may be turning point that fails to turn
Development expected to produce equivalent of up to 40pc of Alaskan daily production but is unlikely to herald a new age of megaprojects
The US government’s approval of superindie ConocoPhillips’ Willow project in March marked the most consequential—and controversial—oil-related decision of the Biden administration. Willow, a 68,000 acre development in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska (NPR-A), is anticipated to produce 600mn bl of oil—equivalent to 180,000bl/d, or 40pc of current daily Alaskan output. It is forecast to create 2,500 construction jobs and 300 full-time jobs, and to generate $17bn in revenue for federal, state and local governments. A key factor in Biden’s approval was the widespread support Willow enjoyed from lawmakers of both parties, labour unions and Alaskan Indigenous groups. The project was originall
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