Australia’s oil and gas industry has welcomed the announcement that the Productivity Commission would undertake a comprehensive fact-based review of regulation in the resources sector to identify best practice reforms for Australia. APPEA Chief Executive Andrew McConville congratulated the Australian Government and Resources Minister Matt Canavan for launching the 12-month review to highlight unnecessary green and red tape. “This process is an important opportunity to develop and encourage regulatory reform as part of long-term policy approach for Australia’s resources sector, which is a key driver for the nation’s economic prosperity,” Mr McConville said.
Industry
APPEA lauds CSIRO report confirming emissions benefits from CSG-LNG life cycle
A landmark report by the CSIRO’s Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance (GISERA) confirms the greenhouse gas emissions benefits from increased use of natural gas in domestic and export markets. GISERA is a collaboration between CSIRO, Commonwealth and state governments and industry established to undertake publicly-reported independent research. The report Whole of Life Greenhouse Gas Emissions Assessment of a Coal Seam Gas to Liquefied Natural Gas Project analysed life cycle emissions, including extraction, transportation and usage of coal seam gas (CSG) in Queensland’s Surat Basin.
APPEA Connect Series: 2019 Offshore Petroleum Acreage Release
APPEA, in collaboration with the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science will host an APPEA Connect Series Event to mark the launch of the 2019 Offshore Petroleum Exploration Acreage Release. In an APPEA first, the session will be live-streamed around the world for participants who cannot attend in person. This is the first release of areas under the new streamlined acreage release model. The Department will officially announce the 2019 areas, and provide a snapshot of the new approach – as well as the analysis undertaken to support it.
Australian LNG exports soared 21% in 2018-19
EnergyQuest estimates that Australia exported a total of 75.1 million tonnes (Mt) of LNG in the 2018-19 fiscal year comprising 1,111 cargoes, which was 21.2% higher than the 61.7 Mt exported in the corresponding period a year earlier Total LNG export revenue in FY 2019 is estimated to be $50.5 billion. LNG is now Australia’s third largest export by value after iron ore and coal. Australia was the world’s second largest LNG exporter in FY 2019, just behind Qatar’s nameplate capacity of 77 Mtpa.
APPEA: Hydraulic fracturing plan a step in right direction
The release of the Western Australian Government’s implementation plan for WA’s hydraulic fracturing inquiry is a step in the right direction and will help provide confidence in the sector, APPEA said. The plan has outlined actions to implement the independent scientific inquiry’s recommendations and provides a pathway forward for developing some of WA’s onshore oil and gas resources. APPEA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said the plan highlighted there were robust regulations in place for onshore exploration and development in WA.
NOPSEMA invites public to comment on Scarborough Project proposal
NOPSEMA has opened public comments for Woodside’s proposed Scarborough Project development. The oil and gas independent, which has a 75% stake in the development, is proposing to develop the remote gas resource through new offshore facilities with all subsea and subsea infield infrastructure and wells located in Commonwealth waters, 375km off the Burrup Peninsula. The plan is for the 7.
Emerald Isle votes yes for continued offshore exploration
Ireland’s Offshore Operator’s Association has welcomed a government decision not to pass the Climate Emergency Bill that would have effectively banned oil and gas exploration offshore of the country. In a statement the IOOA said the Government of Ireland’s decision was an important step to ensure energy security, protect the environment and create jobs. The representative body said the decision not to pass the bill paved the way for finds similar to the Kinsale and Corrib gas fields, which currently supply 60% of gas to Irish homes and businesses.
LNG exports sustaining Australia’s economic growth, APPEA affirms
The Resources and Energy Quarterly June 2019 released last week shows the key role liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports play in supporting Australia’s continued economic and jobs growth, APPEA has said in reaction to the report. According to the Department of Industry, Innovation and Science, the value of Australia’s resources and energy exports are estimated to have totalled a record $275 billion in 2018-19 due in large part to growing LNG exports. In 2018-19, Australia’s LNG export earnings are estimated at $49.7 billion, an $18.
Robotics to drive oil and gas productivity and efficiency
The oil and gas industry is gearing up to deploy robotics across a wide range of applications in the upstream, midstream and downstream segments, primarily to drive productivity and efficiency amid volatility in crude prices, according to data and analytics company Globaldata. The company’s latest thematic report: ‘Robotics in Oil & Gas’ reveals that the complex challenges, particularly in the exploration and production of hydrocarbons, are prompting companies to explore the potential of complexly engineered robotics solutions to work autonomously or in conjunction with field operators.
‘Gas and Oil exploration renaissance finally underway’
Gas and Oil exploration renaissance finally underway There are signs that Australian oil and gas exploration is starting to recover from the doldrums that have been the feature of recent years, a special background report by EnergyQuest Associated and exploration analyst David Upton has revealed. Calendar 2019 has begun strongly with the success of offshore wells Corvus-2 and Dorado-2. Offshore • Offshore exploration and appraisal drilling is finally beginning to recover, with eight wells to be drilled in 2019, up from only five in 2018.