Australia's Growing Pipeline Infrastructure

摘要

Australia's proven oil and natural gas reserves have nearly doubled in recent years, yet there is much exploration to be done. Gas reserves are among the largest in the Asia Pacific region. Proved reserves were estimated at 90 Tcf as of Jan. 1, 2002, double the estimated proved reserves in 2001. Natural gas, however, plays a relatively small role in the nation's fuel mix. This is projected to change. Estimates indicate natural gas will account for 24 percent of Australia's total energy consumption by 2019-20 and will grow almost twice as fast as other energy sources. As a result, infrastructure is being developed to bring much more of those reserves to market. Although controversy between pipeline companies and national regulators continues to impede some development activity, massive investments and a significant number of new pipeline projects need to be undertaken over the next few years. Following is information on some of the projects that reflect the nation's quest to increase pipeline capacity.