Origin Energy to quit Beetaloo gas project but green groups warn environmental threat remains

Sale will come at a loss but distance company from both environmental controversy and Russian oligarch

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Origin Energy will sell its stake in its Beetaloo Basin gas project at a loss and review all its other exploration permits in a move that will distance it from an environmental controversy and end its association with sanctioned Russian oligarch Viktor Vekselberg.

Chief executive Frank Calabria said gas remained a core part of our business" but getting out of gas exploration would free up money to grow cleaner energy and customer solutions, and deliver reliable energy through the transition".

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