Australia’s strong capabilities in the oil and gas sector and the investment opportunities available will be highlighted at the World Gas Conference 2015 in Paris from 1-5 June.
This will be reinforced through the attendance of the Australian Trade Commission and a range of Australian oil and
gas companies.
David Campbell, Australian Trade Commission’s Senior Trade and Investment Commissioner for Western Europe,
said the World Gas Conference (WGC), held every three years, provided the perfect platform to highlight Australia’s
long history of oil and gas production, substantial reserves and status as a leading global player in the sector. “Gas is Australia’s third largest energy resource after coal and uranium. By the end of the decade, Australia should be
home to 10 operational LNG projects with a combined nameplate capacity of 86 million tonnes per annum (mtpa),” Mr Campbell said.
“Australia has already attracted the world’s leading companies and is expected to surpass Qatar as the world’s largest
exporter of LNG within the next few years. “Australia’s abundant supplies, proximity to the growth markets of Asia, and continued exploration and development in oil, conventional and unconventional gas resources, provide strong prospects for investors and international firms looking to expand their business,” Mr Campbell said.
Australia’s stable business environment, proximity to major markets and clear regulatory frameworks will continue to improve Australia’s competitiveness and also secure the next wave of investment in Australia’s LNG sector. Tony Eyres, Australian Trade Commission’s Senior Investment Specialist for Resources and Energy, said oil and gas
exports are a major contributor to the Australian economy, earning A$28.7 billion in 2013–14.
“Australia’s LNG sector is at the forefront of technological advances, having been the first in the world to turn coal
seam gas (CSG) into LNG with the start-up of the Queensland Curtis LNG,” Mr Eyres said. “While the rapid development of A$170 billion worth of LNG projects in Australia put pressure on project costs,the industry is becoming increasingly competitive.
“A lower Australian dollar, reduction in raw material costs and an easing in salary levels are combining to reduce
project costs in the Australian oil and gas industry. And as many projects move from the construction to production
phase, capacity will improve and cost pressures on new and existing projects is expected to ease significantly,” Mr
Eyres said.
The Australian Trade Commission, a gold sponsor of the conference, will host an investment seminar highlighting the diverse range of opportunities available in Australia. Meetings will be held with investors and international businesses interested in collaboration and investment opportunities.
Grant King, Chairman of the National Organising Committee for LNG 18, which is being held in Perth from 11-15 April 2016, will be a key note speaker at World Gas Conference Paris 2015.
