Funding for the EPCRC was announced in August 2009 and will provide research fundamental to ensuring the nation’s energy future. The EPCRC is Australia’s first dedicated research centre to ensuring the continued safe and cost effective operation of the nation’s gas pipeline network and will provide the foundation for the next generation of pipelines.

Professor Linton will oversee all of the CRC’s activities, which will initially focus on four areas of pipeline development, covering construction and maintenance, corrosion control, and public safety, through four distinct projects:

  • More efficient use of materials for energy pipelines
  • Extension of the safe operating life of new and existing energy pipelines
  • Advanced design and construction of energy pipelines
  • Public safety and the security of supply of energy pipelines.

As well as researchers from Australian Pipeline Industry Association’s Research and Standards Committee, the centre will include academics and researchers from the Australian National University, Monash University, the University of Adelaide, and the University of Wollongong, where the centre will be located.

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Professor Linton said that she looked forward to the challenge of integrating the research with an education program and a close partnership with industry in order to oversee the rapid uptake of new technology and thinking into the pipeline industry.

“Research into the best possible energy transportation for Australia is vital, given this nation’s distances and the expected increase in demand for natural gas as an alternative to coal for power generation.

“In order to safely, effectively, and efficiently transport natural gas, Australia will need to expand the use of current transmission pipelines as well as build new infrastructure over very long distances,” Professor Linton said.

Professor Linton is currently Professor of Welded Structures at the University of Adelaide and has been active in the energy transmission industry for over 20 years. Her experience covers research, development, standards and management in topics ranging from research in materials and welding for transmission pipelines, to pipeline integrity and failure.