Over the three days, approximately 400 attendees visited FutureGAS 2010 where delegates heard presentations ranging from the commercial to the technical, as well as project and operational updates.

The 24 exhibitors showcased the latest gas industry products, services and technology in the trade show.

Gas on the agenda

Queensland Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe officially opened the conference sessions on Wednesday morning by highlighting the state’s potential for natural gas development. Mr Hinchliffe emphasised the State Government’s support of proposed LNG projects, saying that Queenslanders can look forward to “reaping the benefits of increases to gross state product.”

“We’ve consulted with industry and endeavour to get the policy settings right – ahead of the proponents’ final investment decisions.”

Day One: current developments

Speakers on Day One covered current projects and activity in the gas industry.

EnergyQuest Chief Executive Officer Graeme Bethune gave the first presentation with “Australian gas – going for gold”. Mr Bethune gave a comprehensive overview outlining the robust state of Australia’s gas industry and its opportunities based on strong reserves, record production and demanding markets in and outside the country.

Cameron O’Reilly, Executive Director of the Energy Retailers’ Association of Australia, discussed the issues currently facing Australian gas retailers, as well as possible ways to maintain a competitive market.

Shell and PetroChina’s bid for Arrow Energy over the previous weekend caused a slight change to the schedule, but Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association’s Mark McCallum and Queensland LNG Industry Unit’s Mal Hellmuth made sure that proposed LNG projects across the country, in particular Queensland, and Australia’s potential as a gas exporter were well covered.

Underground Storage Solutions’ Glen Gill discussed possibilities for underground gas storage in Australia, giving examples from Canada and the United States.

Transmission came into focus in the afternoon as Jemena’s Phil Colvin and Epic Energy’s Stephen Mudge provided updates on respective gas pipeline projects, the Colongra Pipeline Lateral and QSN 3 Project. Ross Gersbach from APA Group and the Australian Pipeline Industry Association’s Steve Davies considered the challenges and opportunities facing the gas transmission industry.

Nick Hudson examined innovations in the uses for water as a byproduct of coal seam gas production, including options for its treatment and reuse. For a more detailed summary of Mr Hudson’s presentation, turn to "New Streams for CSG: water and innovation" on page 14.

Day Two: innovations

On Thursday morning, talk turned to natural gas vehicles (NGVs) as the International Association for Natural Gas Vehicles’ Brett Jarman, Rare Consulting’s Mark McKenzie and BOC’s Alex Dronoff explored the use of NGVs worldwide, the current state of the NGV industry in Australia, and potential future developments.

Brad Lowson from Wesfarmers LNG and Dean Stuhldreier continued on the topic of transport, discussing the use of LNG and compressed natural gas to fuel heavy vehicles.

MWM Energy Sales Manager Simon Helps looked at the environmental issues associated with power generation, and how these can be alleviated by using cogeneration and trigeneration. Energy Conservation Systems’ Chris Flanagan later discussed applications for gas cooling systems.

Freehills’ Renee Garner looked at the proposed carbon pollution reduction scheme, and ways for gas companies to manage the risks involved with its implementation using contracts.

Focus shifted to natural gas for the domestic market as Jemena’s Peter Harcus gave an update on the “Natural Gas. The Natural Choice” campaign, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote the benefits of natural gas use to consumers in New South Wales.

Len Walker from Cougar Energy presented a case study of the Kingaroy Underground Coal Gasification Project, positing UCG as an alternative source of domestic gas.

Finally, Adrian Horin Consulting’s eponymous manager lamented the industry’s reluctance to further develop fuel cells in Australia.

The business program was well attended through to the final sessions, and delegates needed little convincing to relax with a drink at the hotel bar afterwards!

Gas products on show

As well as delegates, more than 150 trade visitors ensured the exhibition was always buzzing. People took the opportunity in session breaks to peruse the 24 company stands and explore the latest products and technology. Turn to pages 50 and 51 to see the exhibitor photos.

Meal times provided a great chance to discuss developments in the industry and the latest projects in an informal setting.

A special thank you to Tremco Pipeline Equipment, Isuzu, Nacap, Finlease, and GHD for sponsoring the lunch and tea breaks.

Networking opportunities

The exhibition was opened on Tuesday night with Opening Cocktails sponsored by Austral-Powerflo Solutions. Delegates previewed of the exhibition stands and many lingered at booths, discussing various products and services over a drink or two.

Wednesday brought the Gala Dinner, jointly sponsored by HAZQUIP and Gas Liquid Processing. Guests enjoyed a drink in the foyer before taking their seats, where they overlooked the city of Brisbane.

Queensland rugby legend Chris ‘Buddha’ Handy addressed the crowd, ensuring an entertaining evening of lighthearted, just-inside-the-lines quips and one-liners. Later though, Buddha proved true to his nickname, sharing an anecdote of a spiritual experience while walking the Kokoda Trail.

As promised, Buddha also spoke about his days as a prop forward, delighting guests with tales from the Wallaby locker room and commentary box.

See you next year

Growing from the success of the inaugural conference in 2009, the 2010 FutureGAS Conference and Exhibition proved a chance for members of the industry to gather, reuniting with old friends and making new contacts.

A big thank you to Event Partner

MWM Energy, and all the conference sponsors – Oceanic Industries, GLP, Austral-Powerflo Solutions, Tremco Pipeline Equipment, Isuzu, Nacap, Finlease, GHD and Comdain Infrastructure.

Great Southern Press would like to thank everyone who attended the event. Make sure you keep an eye on FutureGAS 2011, as it is set to be even bigger.