The Queensland government has contracted a joint venture comprising global financial services group KMPG, engineering group GHD and petroleum consultants Netherland, Sewell & Associates to deliver a concept study for a gas pipeline to unlock resources in the state’s Bowen basin.
The initial phase of the $5-million (Aus.) study will investigate the potential pipeline and infrastructure to improve delivery of Bowen basin gas to the Australian domestic and export markets.
The concept study is expected to take 6 months with final recommendations to be made by yearend.
Queensland Resources Minister Scott Stewart said gas is a major energy source for Queensland’s manufacturing sector and additional infrastructure will provide new sources of supply leading to more affordable gas and supporting jobs across the supply chain and industries.
The study also will analyze the potential amount of gas and sources of fugitive emissions in the Bowen basin region as well as determine the feasibility and best pathway for the infrastructure to achieve multiple benefits, he said.
“The study will look at ways in which we can better capture fugitive emissions from the coal mines of the Bowen basin and put them to use for things like power generation and manufacturing,” he said. “This will bring additional gas to market and make a contribution to Queensland’s transition to a low carbon economy,” he added.
In its 2021/22 federal budget, the Australian government also made a commitment to contribute to the study.
