A controversial gas project in the heart of the Northern Territory has been given the green light by the government.

On Friday, Empire Energy’s environmental management plan for the company’s Carpentaria Pilot Project was given the green light by the Northern Territory government – a move which has drawn criticism from environmental groups and local traditional owners.

With government approval, Empire Energy will now be able to conduct drilling and “hydraulic fracture stimulation” in nine new wells, a move which will “provide much needed gas supply for the people of the Northern Territory”, Empire Energy chief executive Alex Underwood said.