New-Study-to-Unlock-Potential-of-Bowen-Basin-Gas

New study to unlock potential of Bowen Basin gas

Home>News>New study to unlock potential of Bowen Basin gas

The initial concept phase of the $5 million Bowen Basin pipeline study is underway in Queensland, investigating potential pipeline and infrastructure to improve the delivery of Bowen Basin gas to domestic and export markets.

Both the Queensland Government and Australian Government are each contributing $5 million towards the Bowen Basin pipeline study, which will occur in multiple phases. This first phase is a concept study of key initiatives that merit further detailed investigation.

Resources Minister Scott Stewart MP commented, “the resources industry is a key part of Queensland’s economy and will continue to be an essential part of delivering Queensland’s plan for economic recovery from COVID-19,” Mr Stewart said.

“Gas is a major energy source for Queensland’s manufacturing sector, and we are always looking at ways to bring more of it to market. Additional gas infrastructure will provide new sources of supply, leading to more affordable gas and supporting jobs across our critical supply chain and industries.

“Just like we opened up the Surat Basin 10 years ago, the Bowen Basin has the potential to be a source of future gas projects and jobs for Queenslanders.”

Mr Stewart said the study will also analyse the potential amount of gas and sources of fugitive emissions in the area and determine the feasibility and best pathway for the infrastructure to achieve multiple benefits.

“This 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. This will not only bring additional gas to market but will also make a valuable contribution to Queensland’s transition to a low carbon economy.”

The Bowen Basin, which has traditionally focused on coal production, has the potential to bring more gas to Queensland’s domestic and export markets – by opening up areas for new gas production and capturing unutilised gas from underground mines.

If the study finds the pipeline project to be feasible, it could create more than 1,000 jobs during construction and would supercharge the opening up of gas production in the Bowen Basin, bringing many more jobs to the region.

More information on the Bowen Basin pipeline study is here.

You can view the Minister for Resources – Hon Scott Stewart’s Media Statement here.

What does this mean for landholders?

If you’re a landholder in the Surat, Galilee or Bowen basins and wish to know more about what to expect with gas field developments, the GasFields Commission (the Commission) strongly encourages you to download a copy of our flagship publication, The Gas Guide, to obtain all the information you need to negotiate a fair and reasonable outcome should a resource company request to operate on your land.

The Gas Guide catalogues pertinent information that landholders need to know about the various stages of petroleum and gas development in Queensland – beginning with the advertisement and awarding of new exploration tenders (see Chapter 3 – Exploration Phase).

If you have any questions regarding the exploration process, Queensland’s onshore gas industry, please contact us directly via: