From 22–24 March, industry experts, leaders and stakeholders will reflect on and discuss the challenges facing the industry, as well as the growth opportunities provided by industry innovation and co-operation.

Sponsored by MWM, FutureGAS will bring the entire gas industry together, from exploration and production of both conventional and coal seam gas (CSG), through to transmission, distribution and end use. The event will showcase how the industry, in all sectors, can take control of the future and capitalise on the unique position of gas in a carbon constrained world.

Experts to address delegates

With speakers from across Australia’s gas industry from the wellhead, through to distribution and transmission, the FutureGAS 2009 business sessions will explore current and future issues in the industry.

Long-time industry leader and former head of the Australian Gas Association, Ollie Clark will launch the conference with a keynote address that draws on his many years of experience.

Shaun Scott will also give a keynote address, updating industry on the company’s CSG and liquefied natural gas (LNG) developments in Queensland, while also giving his views on the future.

Highlights of the business program include:

Regions within regions: How Australia’s gas industry is set to face the future domestically and internationally. Graeme Bethune of EnergyQuest will examine natural gas supply and demand in Australia and the impact of alternative fuels on the gas industry. He will also look at regional opportunities and markets as well as where the industry is heading with reference to gas-fired generation and industrial use.

CSG and water extraction: the regulatory framework combining two of Queensland’s hottest topics, Brendan Tobin of Sparke Helmore Lawyers will provide a presentation on the legal and regulatory framework for water extraction and use in the context of the gas industry.

Panel session: Emissions trading scheme and the gas industry Climate change and emissions trading experts will discuss the implications of the Carbon Pollution Reduction Scheme for the gas industry. Panel speakers include pitt&sherry Principal Consultant and former Clean Energy Council CEO Dominique La Fontaine, Deloitte Partner Jon Stanford, Parsons Brinckerhoff Climate Change Executive Arek Sinanian and Mallesons Stephen Jaques Partner Louis Chiam. The panel will host questions and answers to update delegates on all they need to know about the emissions trading scheme.

Future trends on display

An exhibition of suppliers and service providers will put Australia’s innovative industry solutions on display. Displaying future trends, the FutureGAS exhibition will give delegates the opportunity to discuss more efficient business practices and establish key relationships with exhibitors – the key to any successful project.

Exhibitors include companies specialising in process equipment manufacturers, gas control and odourant injection systems, flow control, automation control and information solutions, pipeline equipment, project management solutions and emissions control equipment.

Connect with key players

Outside the business sessions, delegates will meet other leaders and decision makers in the gas industry, gaining new contacts and further inside knowledge about industry developments.

At the Opening Cocktails on Sunday evening, sponsored by Chart Energy & Chemicals, delegates will enjoy drinks, catch up with old industry friends and meet new players before the business program begins on Monday.

The Conference Dinner will bring the delegates together in a relaxed setting to enjoy a meal and hear from a surprise guest speaker.

FutureGAS for a booming industry

The gas industry in Australia continues to boom as cleaner fuels such as gas are promoted and used and as Asia looks to Australia for energy security. With CSG and LNG developments and opportunities expanding every day, there’s never been a better time to focus on gas industry work.