Gas Today

August 2007

Welcome

I am delighted to welcome you to Issue #1 of Gas Today.

Australia’s move towards a carbon emissions trading scheme could herald the start of something big for the natural gas industry, with insiders saying that billions of dollars worth of gas projects will now be able to emerge from the wings.

Queensland ups gas target

As part of Queensland’s ClimateSmart 2050 climate change strategy, the state aims to increase the percentage of its gas-fired energy generation from the current 13 per cent to 18 per cent by 2020.

National Gas Law

Andrew Blyth, Chief Executive, ENA

The gas distribution industry has a regulated asset value of over $10 billion. Gas is distributed to around 4 million customer connections through over 75,000 km of gas distribution pipelines. Gas networks not only provide energy to individual households, they also enhance the efficiency, reliability and competitiveness of Australian business and industry, by providing ready access to gas at reasonable prices.

Gas Distribution Standard

Mark Beech, Alinta and Energy Networks Association representative on AG-008 Gas Distribution.

In the past, standards on gas distribution networks have been developed in a somewhat piecemeal manner, due mainly to the various sections being developed in isolation and on a range of short and long term time frames.

Gas water heater regulation reform

With Australia’s greenhouse emissions from gas water heaters predicted to increase by 71 per cent by the end of the period from 1990 to 2010, Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) may soon be introduced to bring the industry within a consistent regulatory framework.

Retail regulation where to now?

Regulation of the retail gas industry is a complicated issue– especially following the decision from the Council of Australian Governments in April to form an overall National Energy Market Operator, to be known as NEMO, by 2009.

Thousands convert to LPG

The Federal Government has paid out more than $114 million in grants to over 57,000 motorists since the launch of the LPG Vehicle Scheme in August 2006, according to peak industry body LPG Australia.

Tasmanian Gas Reticulation

Tasmania, as the last Australian state to be connected to natural gas, has in recent years been developing its natural gas distribution network, with Powerco Tasmania holding a Development Agreement with the state government to construct a pipeline network in the state.

LNG: from little things big things grow

Small-scale liquefied natural gas is set to be a major growth area for the LNG industry, with new projects announced, billions of dollars in funding secured and our burgeoning coal seam gas sector set to provide a major boost.

TRUenergy announces further developments for Tallawarra

Development of TRUenergy Tallawarra, Australia’s most efficient combined cycle gas-fired power station, is well underway following the launch of principal construction in November 2006.

MWM Energy Australia leads the way with CSM and CMM

MWM Energy Australia is leading the way in Coal Seam Methane (CSM) and Coal Mine Methane (CMM) with advanced governing technology and a cost effective 4 MW gas engine.

Natural gas on the agenda at Energy 21C

The Energy 21C conference at the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre from 11 to 14 November 2007 will provide expert insights into how energy networks may respond to the drivers of change, including governments, key geopolitical organisations, business leaders and consumers.

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