The research will encompass improved quality of steel for manufacture of pipelines, improved pipeline construction techniques and better quality control, better and longer-lasting coatings and other improved techniques to prevent corrosion and leaks, improved resistance to damage caused by excavators and earth-moving equipment.

The funds for the three year research project with Adelaide University and a number of other major Australian research institutions represents an investment of more than $1.4 million. The project will be matched dollar-for-dollar by the private sector.

“The knowledge and skills gained from this research program will not only benefit Australia but also the rest of the world,” APIA Chief Executive Cheryl Cartwright said.

“We expect the program will eventually lead to Australian pipeline transmission know-how being exported to many other countries, paving the way for the delivery of natural gas and petroleum in the most reliable and efficient manner possible.

Article continues below…

“In relation to natural gas, success in enhancing pipeline performance will help reduce transmission costs and further increase the appeal of this environmentally friendly fuel,” Ms Cartwright said.

The research program entails seven projects, and will also involve Monash and Curtin universities and research organisations such as CSIRO and ANSTO.

“Such improvements will enhance the reliability and durability of pipelines and reduce their costs at a time when they will play an increasing role in our energy supply,” Minister for Immigration and Multicultural Affairs and South Australian Senator Amanda Vanstone said.

“We effectively have a $1.4 million research project, which is further boosted by in-kind support from the pipeline industry.

“Pipeline research comes with some logistical challenges that you don’t find elsewhere – pipes don’t fit easily into a petrie dish and generally have to be dug up before they can be examined. Australia’s 22,000 km of high pressure pipelines, including gas and other liquids, represent a huge investment in infrastructure so reliability and cost are vital for pipeline companies and their customers. The research program aims to increase reliability and reduce costs.”

Senator Vanstone said that the research program will ensure that pipeline technology becomes even more sophisticated with continuous improvement in pipeline materials and construction and maintenance techniques, and that pipelines will play an important part in Australia’s energy future.

“You need pipelines to transport natural gas to power generators and other industrial consumers…pipelines are also an integral part of other greenhouse reduction initiatives currently on the Government and industry agenda.

“The capturing and storage deep underground of carbon dioxide – should this prove in time to be a viable CO2 disposal option – will also require pipelines because the best reservoirs for storage are likely to be areas where natural gas has been produced, not next door to the capital cities where it is consumed.

“The Australian Government is keen to promote recognition of natural gas as a less greenhouse-intensive fuel and the research grants announced today will contribute to the search for improvements in pipeline technology. Clearly, it is important to undertake research to further increase the longevity and the benefits of this transmission infrastructure,” Senator Vanstone said.