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.

Funding for the Energy Pipeliens Co-operative Research Centre (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’s experience provides a strong foundation for energy pipelines research and her management skills will guide the EPCRC’s progress as it works on research programs spanning the full life cycle of existing and future pipelines in the areas of materials, coatings, design and policy.

The integral research across these areas, combined with an education program and a close partnership with industry will see the rapid uptake of new technology and thinking into the pipeline industry.

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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; and,
  • Public safety and the security of supply of energy pipelines.

As well as researchers from the 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.

Professor Linton, who will be based in Wollongong to take up the role, said that she looks forward to the challenge.

“Research into the best possible energy transportation for Australia is vital, given the 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.

“Our research will also have application well beyond energy transmission. For example, our long-distance pipeline research will also be critical to the success of carbon capture, transportation and storage projects.”