The inaugural FutureGAS 2009 Conference was held at Royal on the Park, Brisbane, Queensland, from 22-24 March 2009.

A varied speaker program covered developments from a wide cross section of the industry – from commercial through to technical, operations and project updates, while a trade exhibition enabled delegates to see the latest equipment, services and technology on offer.

Talking gas

The two-day business program began with an opening address from industry stalwart Ollie Clark AM, who spoke about the importance of working together to bring together the gas industry.

Mr Clark spoke about how companies involved in different areas of the industry– including production, distribution and retail – should come together to promote natural gas as a fuel source. He said that the restructuring of the gas industry has meant that electricity supply companies have evolved into either electricity distributors or electricity retailers, sourcing electricity from many forms of power generation. Mr Clark says that more emphasis is needed from these companies on the benefits of gas-fired electricity compared to other forms.

“There is change in the air as an era approaches in which the low thermal efficiencies and high carbon:hydrogen ratios of coal are widely understood, and an emissions trading scheme is imminent; and the low capital cost, flexibility and advanced technology of gas-fired combined-cycle and cogeneration power generation options are better appreciated,” Mr Clark said.

“Little doubt the next generation of power stations will be high efficiency, flexible, widely distributed and gas-fuelled.”

Other speakers addressed upcoming projects, challenges and lessons learnt from previous projects, technical developments that can improve industry efficiency, as well as legal and financial considerations.

In his keynote address, Shaun Scott, Arrow Energy Chief Executive Officer – Australia, outlined the company’s plans to develop its coal seam gas (CSG) fields and progress a CSG to LNG export facility at Gladstone.

Also on the topic of CSG, McCullough Robertson Senior Associate Brendan Tobin explained about the issues associated with using by-product water from CSG fields. A summary of Mr Tobin’s presentation can be found on page 132.

APIA Chief Executive Cheryl Cartwright spoke about the challenges and opportunities for the gas transmission industry. She noted the role that gas can play in reducing Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions, as well as the future demand and availability of natural gas.

Queensland Hunter Gas Pipeline (QHGP) Pty Ltd General Manager Bob Otjen and Eastern Star Gas’ Chief Commercial Officer Roland Sleeman spoke about the development of their respective projects – the QHGP and the Narrabri CSG Project.

In addition, EnergyQuest Chief Executive Officer Graeme Bethune and Jemena General Manger of Gas John van Weel provided insightful presentations. Mr Bethune spoke about the domestic and international future of Australian gas, while Mr van Weel spoke about how Jemena can service the gas industry.

Speaker sessions were well attended and delegates enjoyed learning about different aspects of the industry in more detail.

Gas on exhibition

The trade exhibition hosted many stands showcasing a variety of companies and products that service the industry.

The 21 stands were a great turnout for the first conference and augers well for exhibitions to come.

The exhibition was constantly busy with people milling around the stands, inspecting new products and making connections with new and experienced people from the industry.

Socialising with gas

The trade exhibition kicked off with Opening Cocktails on the Sunday night. The cocktails allowed delegates and exhibitors to catch up with old industry friends and make new contacts before the business sessions commenced.

On Monday night, the Gala Dinner brought together delegates in a relaxed setting. Attendees enjoyed a three course meal while chatting about the information received at the exhibition and presentations during the day.

Following dinner, Paralympic Champion Brendan Burkett addressed the crowd, providing an entertaining and inspiring speech for all. Mr Burkett spoke about dealing with losing his leg in a hit-and-run accident and stirred dinner guests by his motivation not to let this hold him back from working with the best, including passing the medical and working in the North Sea on an offshore oil rig, and competing against the best on the world stage at numerous Paralympic Games.

Mr Burkett spoke about this experience as a Paralympic Champion, World Champion, World Record holder, Commonwealth Games and Australian multiple medallist. A highlight of his sporting career, said Mr Burkett, was representing Australia and carrying the nation’s flag into the Sydney 2000 Games.

The 2009 FutureGAS Conference proved a success, with delegates looking forward to next year. The Conference’s success has set a high standard for 2010, which is planned to be even bigger and better.