Support grows for trans-Australia gas pipeline
A nationwide pipeline network to carry natural gas from Australia's North-West Shelf to eastern states is gaining in popularity, according to a recent report. Engineering and economic feasibility studies support a transcontinental system that would meet energy demands until the end of the century. An estimated 6400 km of pipeline is needed. A 20-year agreement for liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports has not yet been settled because of government concern over projected acceptable shortfalls in the local market. Justification for pipeline routes is reviewed, with competition date for the first section set at 1982 and connection with the North-West Shelf by 1991. Production goals will be geared to having supplies available for the mid-1980's, however, as a strategic reserve in the event of disaster or accident. Widespread public discussion will be encouraged by the pipeline company to allow full public input to government policy decisions. A uniform pricing schedule to each of the capitols will be set even though construction and operating costs will vary. Reserve estimates of proven fields indicate that extensive exploration of probably and possible reserves is needed to meet demand growth beyond the year 2000. The discovery of additional reserves will relieve the anticipated shortfall from LNG export. (DCK)
- OSTI ID:
- 7095314
- Journal Information:
- Energy Int.; (United States), Vol. 14:4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Drilling starts again on the North West Shelf. [Australia]
LNG export cutback spurs Australia's offshore developments
Related Subjects
POLICY AND ECONOMY
03 NATURAL GAS
AUSTRALIA
NATURAL GAS
PIPELINES
CHARGES
CONSTRUCTION
COST
ENERGY POLICY
ENERGY SUPPLIES
GOVERNMENT POLICIES
LIQUEFIED NATURAL GAS
MARKET
PLANNING
PUBLIC RELATIONS
RESERVES
AUSTRALASIA
ENERGY SOURCES
FLUIDS
FOSSIL FUELS
FUEL GAS
FUELS
GAS FUELS
GASES
RESOURCES
294003* - Energy Planning & Policy- Natural Gas
032000 - Natural Gas- Transport
Handling
& Storage
031000 - Natural Gas- Legislation & Regulations