Gas Today

August 2010

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Editor’s comment

Scott Pearce

This is my first edition as Editor of Gas Today magazine, and I am delighted to be working even more closely with the gas industry – having been (and continuing to be) Editor of The Australian Pipeliner magazine since 2006.

Resource industry secures compromise on super-sized tax

On 2 May 2010, the Federal Government, under former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, announced its intention to implement a uniform Resource Super Profits Tax (RSPT).

Getting there with gas

Natural gas continues to be adopted as a fuel source for transport vehicles around the globe. Gas Today brings you the latest in natural gas vehicle news.

Developing small-scale LNG plants

Black & Veatch LNG Technology Vice President Brian C. Price and LNG Section Lead Shawn D. Hoffart

With the perpetual advancement of technology, traditional fuel sources for both domestic and industrial uses are evolving around the world. LNG can be produced and distributed quickly and easily. As a result, Brazil, China, the United States and Australia are utilising this technology to meet their increasing fuel needs.

5 minutes with Reg Nelson

Starting as an exploration geophysicist, Beach Energy Managing Director Reg Nelson has had a career spanning nearly four decades in the minerals and petroleum industries. A former chairman of the Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association, Reg Nelson spoke with Gas Today about industry achievements and the exciting future of shale gas.

Bringing Australia’s offshore gas to market

Australia’s offshore industry currently provides 90 per cent of Australia’s oil and gas production. Gas Today brings you a snapshot of the nation’s latest offshore developments.

Supporting the offshore industry

Brad George, GO MARINE GROUP Business Development Manager

Offshore oil and gas exploration in Australia peaked in 2009, resulting in a boom in the construction of offshore support vessels. Following this boom, GO MARINE’S Brad George outlines the challenges to be faced and opportunities to be seized in this burgeoning industry.

FLNG gets serious

Among the latest and most exciting developments in the gas industry is Shell’s floating LNG technology. As early as 2016, offshore Australian gas fields could be host to these floating LNG plants.

The Sydney Basin – offshore exploration’s new frontier

Despite displaying all the elements seen in other world class producing basins, there has never been a petroleum exploration well drilled in the offshore Sydney Basin. Advent Energy is about to change that.

Why your operator does not always love you

By Stephanie Rowland, Senior Associate, Minter Ellison Lawyers

When dealing with risk liability in Joint Operating Agreements, it’s important that definitions are clear to all parties. Stephanie Rowland makes some observations on gross negligence, wilful misconduct and consequential loss.

Modelling rogue waves to mitigate risk offshore

Although once considered a myth, rogue waves represent a considerable risk for offshore oil and gas production platforms. CSIRO’s Dr Murray Rudman spoke to Gas Today about computer modelling undertaken to compare the effect of these waves on different offshore platforms.

Make your mark on the industry at FutureGAS 2011!

In 2011, FutureGAS will be bigger than ever. Targeting more delegates, speakers and exhibitors, the event is moving to the Brisbane Exhibition and Convention Centre to ensure there is room for all!

How do you BBQ?

Natural gas - it’s a quarter of the cost of LPG and it never runs out, yet the number of barbeques running on it are far outnumbered by their LPG counterparts. Gas Today takes a look at a largely untapped market for the gas appliances sector.

Electric heaters in hot water

In mid-2009, the Australian Federal Government launched an initiative to phase out greenhouse gas-intensive hot water systems, starting from 2010. Gas Today looks at what this means for gas hot water systems.

New generation in power: fuel cells

Fuel cell technology is often overlooked as a source of low emission electricity generation. Ceramic Fuel Cells is lobbying federal and state governments to change that.

DBNGP satisfies WA’s appetite for gas

The most recent expansion of the Australia’s largest gas transmission pipeline, the Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline, is now complete. Stage 5B saw total of 440 km of pipeline installed across 11 looping sections.

Enerflex puts the pressure on

A pressure reducing metering station in southwest Victoria was one of Enerflex’s most recent successful construction projects. Gas Today spoke to Enerflex about the fast-paced project.

Paramedics: caring for the gas industry

It is important to ensure the safety of workers on any worksite, whether in a remote location or in an urban area. Gas Today talks to Aspen Medical’s Robert Ball and LifeAid’s Alan Close about the importance of having experienced medical staff on gas worksites.

Up close with NOPSA

It’s been another big year in the offshore oil and gas industry, particularly for Jane Cutler, who became Chief Executive Officer of NOPSA almost a year ago. Gas Today spoke to her about her role and the issues facing NOPSA and the industry.

Gas detection unplugged

When gas leaks into the atmosphere from a pipe, the pressure differential and resulting high velocity flow creates acoustic signatures in both the air and the pipe at ultrasonic frequencies that can be used to detect the presence of a leak.

Gas detection units

Using a reliable gas detector can be integral to the safety of workers, and reducing risk. Gas Today looks at some of the industry’s latest products.

Western Australia – an economy built on gas

Western Australia is the nation’s largest producer and consumer of natural gas. As production rates decline in current gas fields, new developments are required to meet increasing demand from both domestic and international markets. Balancing the needs of gas producers and the state’s biggest gas consumers is an ongoing process in Western Australia.

Discussion at APPEA fuelled by gas

Held in Brisbane from 16–19 May, the 2010 Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) Conference and Exhibition featured keynote speeches from government leaders, company executives and international energy experts.