By Himanshi Akhand
(Reuters) -Woodside Energy Group (NYSE:WDS) said on Tuesday it had entered a deal with LNG Japan to sell a 10% participating interest in its $12 billion Scarborough liquefied natural gas (LNG) project in Australia for $500 million.
Australia's No.1 independent oil and gas producer, which owns 100% of the project since merging with BHP in 2022, has long flagged its interest to sell down its stake in the venture.
Woodside (OTC:WOPEY) will hold a 90% interest in the venture and remain its operator after the deal's completion, which is expected in the first quarter of 2024.
"The support of LNG Japan is testament to the quality of the Scarborough project. It also underscores the ongoing demand from Japanese buyers for new supplies of gas and the role of gas in supporting Japan's energy security," Woodside CEO Meg O’Neill said.
Gas from Scarborough will feed Woodside's Pluto LNG plant, and the first LNG cargo is targeted for 2026. The Scarborough gas field development and Pluto LNG plant expansion together make up Woodside's biggest growth project.
The Scarborough development was 38% complete at June-end, with Pluto Train 2 module fabrication ramping up, according to Woodside.
Woodside and LNG Japan also entered an agreement for the sale and purchase of 12 LNG cargoes per year for 10 years starting 2026. LNG Japan is a 50:50 joint venture between Sumitomo Corp. (TYO:8053) and Sojitz Corp (TYO:2768).
Woodside also entered into deals with Sumitomo and Sojitz to collaborate on global opportunities in new energy, which could include ammonia, hydrogen, carbon capture and storage.
"We view this as a positive announcement because the consideration is at a premium to our valuation," analysts at RBC said in a note.
"We also like the fact this helps to de-risk Woodside's exposure to its high level of equity in Scarborough by reducing future development expenditure and technical risk."
Woodside shares were up 0.7% at 0420 GMT, while the broader market was 0.1% higher.