The permit is the last major obstacle in the regulatory approval process for the 680km pipeline and clears the way for financial close on the project.

The open access, 360 mm diameter, 15 million tonne per annum pipeline will allow Origin Energy, Australian National Power to ship up to 70 petajoules a year, lifting the inward capacity for gas into Adelaide by more than 80 per cent, according to Origin.

First gas is expected to be delivered by the pipeline in the third quarter of 2003.