Industry

Queensland’s new Minister for Resources Scott Stewart’s strong endorsement of the importance, contribution and economic benefits of the oil and gas industry has been welcomed by APPEA.

In a speech to Parliament recently, Minister Stewart said the industry continued to do “the heavy lifting with gas production, for the domestic and export markets” and “gas is an essential part of Queensland’s economy and will continue to be so in the future.”

APPEA Queensland Director Georgy Mayo said the industry – which is a major economic driver for the state -- welcomed this ongoing support.

“The oil and...

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South Australia is calling on mineral exploration companies to submit innovative proposals to Round Two of the Accelerated Discovery Initiative.

Minister for Energy and Mining Dan van Holst Pellekaan said the second round of the globally recognised initiative will provide $4.5 million to partner with explorers undertaking frontier exploration projects across South Australia.

“Following the success of round 1, the State Government has increased funding of round 2 to help re-ignite the South Australian Exploration sector in the wake of the COVID pandemic.

“The South Australian Government recognises the importance of a successful and sustained exploration sector in meeting the government’s objective of growing resource exports.

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APPEA said it was delighted to announce the re-election of Kevin Gallagher as Chairman and Ian Davies as Vice Chairman following APPEA’s recent Annual General Meeting.

Mr Gallagher, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Santos, continues in his second term as APPEA’s Chairman along. Mr Davies, Managing Director & Chief Executive Officer of Senex Energy, who also continues for a second term as APPEA’s Vice Chairman.  Mr Gallagher and Mr Davies were first elected to these positions after APPEA’s 2019 AGM.

APPEA has also welcomed several new Directors, including Khoa Dao, President - Australia at ConocoPhillips...

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Energy Networks Australia (ENA) has welcomed the focus in the latest Grattan Institute report on renewable gas to help decarbonise Australia’s energy sector.

ENA Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Dillon said networks were already delivering projects to support the greening of our gas networks, including injecting renewable gas into networks.

As highlighted in the recent Gas Vision 2050 report, transformational technologies such as hydrogen, biomethane, carbon capture and storage and renewable methane can all support Australia’s decarbonisation.

“The future of gas is not ‘flame out’ but rather ‘flame green.

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South Australia’s intention to create a green hydrogen export industry has taken a big step forward, with the launch today of a world-leading $240 million hydrogen project. This project would be the largest green ammonia plant in the world, being 60 times larger than Australia’s largest electrolyser at Tonsley in Adelaide.

To support the export potential of South Australia, the Marshall Liberal Government is allocating $37 million in the upcoming 2020/21 State Budget, to upgrade the Port Bonython jetty as part of the state’s ambitious plans to become an exporter of green energy to world markets.

Premier Steven Marshall said upgrading the jetty will unlock significant investment and export opportunities for South Australia, with hydrogen driving renewed interest in Port Bonython.

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Natural gas is a viable energy option that contributes efficiently to achieve a balance between the environment, social, and economic dimensions of the sustainable development. It reduces carbon intensity and pollution resulting from energy-related activities, supports access to modern energy, improves availability and reliability of supply, and provides competitive and affordable energy,” the Gas Exporting Countries Forum (GECF) Secretary General recently said at the 25th Oil & Gas of Turkmenistan Conference.

Taking part in the annual event via videoconference, HE Yury Sentyurin added that the “yet-to-find resources” would contribute to around 30% of the total production of natural gas worldwide by 2050 and that about 80% of the natural gas production by mid-century will stem from new projects – highlighting the importance of continued upstream investment.

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Australia’s oil and gas industry has congratulated Premier Annastacia Pałaszczuk and the Labor Party following their election success in Queensland on Saturday.

APPEA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said the industry makes a significant contribution to the state and has invested more than $70 billion into Queensland’s economy due to the rapid development of the natural gas and LNG industries.

“As a key driver of Queensland’s economy, the oil and gas sector is committed to working with the new government as there are many challenges ahead for economic recovery,” Mr McConville said.

“We have a long and proud history of engaging with the government to grow the sector to where it is today.

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Geoscientist employment in Australia remained relatively stable during the third quarter of 2020. Nationally, unemployment increased to 10.6% from 8.6% in the June quarter, while under-employment fell significantly to 12.7% from 17.4% for the period.

Under-employment, in this survey series, is defined as geoscientists being unable to secure more than 25% of their desired workload.

Full time geoscientist employment fell from 69% in the June quarter to 61%.  The proportions of geoscientists in part time and casual employment were little changed from the June quarter survey.

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A pioneering hydrogen production plant in final commissioning in Adelaide is set to become a major supplier to industry – with the SA regional city of Whyalla to be the first beneficiary.

The breakthrough will position the new Hydrogen Park South Australia (HyP SA) facility at the Tonsley Innovation District as a major wholesale supplier of renewable hydrogen in Australia.

Project developer Australian Gas Networks (AGN) - part of the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group (AGIG) has completed the installation of the electrolyser, with final construction works due to be

finished shortly.

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The Australian Gas Industry Trust (AGIT) has appointed its first Executive Officer, Dr Jen Thompson, to further develop the Trust’s core objectives of promoting gas industry research and education.

“With a strong background in energy, research and science education, Dr Thompson is an ideal person to take AGIT’s activities forward through the energy transition,” said Trust Chairman, Dr Graeme Bethune. “I am delighted to have Jen on board.”

Dr Thompson has more than 20 years working with government and academia and many years’ experience in mining and energy strategy.

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