Tight gas workshop to explore alternative energy sources

The potential to enhance development of a Western Australian tight gas industry will be examined by government and industry in August.

The Department of Industry and Resources (DoIR), in partnership with the Western Australian Energy Research Alliance (WA:ERA), will host a WA Tight Gas Workshop.

The workshop will examine the potential of tight gas as an alternative source of gas supply for the State’s energy needs. It aims to provide a forum for industry, research organisations and government to network and discuss Western Australia’s tight gas industry. 

Tight gas refers to gas that is difficult to extract because it is found in rocks with low permeability, needing specialised techniques and equipment for extraction.

Department of Industry and Resources Director of Petroleum and Royalties Bill Tinapple said the workshop is part of DoIR’s strategy to develop upstream energy security through development of alternative sources of supply.

“Recent events with disruptions to Western Australia’s gas supplies underline the importance of developing different gas supply options, “he said.

“Tight gas has the potential to be a significant supply alternative for the State and could help ensure sufficient energy supply for Western Australia’s South West region.

“Here in Western Australia, potential tight gas fields have been identified and the workshop is part of a DoIR strategy to help develop a tight gas industry in the State and promote the State’s tight gas opportunities.”

Minister for Resources Francis Logan will open the workshop. Following the Minister will be an extensive list of presenters ranging from petroleum companies such as ARC Energy, Latent Petroleum, Origin and Chevron, through to representatives of major petroleum equipment suppliers including Baker-Hughes, Halliburton, GMI and Schlumberger.

The workshop will be segmented into four sessions covering:

• The current tight gas scenario in Western Australia including the views of current tight gas asset owners and the perspective from new entrants into this emerging industry.
• An examination of the international tight gas industry with comparative case studies by operators from North America.
• Presentations on the availability of equipment, expertise and capability.
• Discussion on the regulatory, licensing and economic factors affecting the tight gas industry.

There will also be a panel question and answer session to encourage discussion among workshop attendees on technology and equipment issues and what needs to be done to further facilitate development of the tight gas industry.

The WA Tight Gas Workshop is aimed at:

• Current and prospective owners and/or operators of tight gas resources.
• Oil and gas companies with an interest in finding and/or developing new gas sources.
• Equipment suppliers to the gas extraction industry.
• Researchers involved in the development of techniques and equipment pertaining to tight gas extraction.
• Investors interested in potential new energy projects.
• Significant, strategic gas consumers.

The workshop will be held on 20 August at the Kings Park Function Centre from 7:30 am to 6:30 pm. Interested participants can register for the workshop and access the full workshop program from the WA:ERA website at http://www.waera.com.au/tightgas

Enquiries regarding registration or requests for further information should be emailed to events@waera.com.au or telephone: +61 (0)8 6488 2684.