Over the three days, approximately 400 attendees visited the event. The broad speaker program ranged from the commercial to the technical, and also included project and operational updates.
The 24 booths in the trade exhibition showcased the latest gas industry products, services and technology.
Gas on the agenda
Queensland Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe officially opened the conference sessions on Wednesday morning, highlighting the state’s potential for natural gas development. Mr Hinchliffe emphasised the State Government’s support of proposed LNG projects, saying Queenslanders can look forward to “reaping the benefits of increases to gross state product”, which is expected to be approximately $3 billion when the industry reaches its peak.
“We’ve consulted with industry and endeavour to get the policy settings right – ahead of the proponents’ final investment decisions,” he said.
EnergyQuest Chief Executive Officer Graeme Bethune gave a presentation entitled “˜Australian gas – going for gold’. Mr Bethune gave a comprehensive presentation outlining the strong state of Australia’s gas industry and its opportunities based on strong reserves, record production and demanding markets in and outside the country.
Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association’s Mark McCallum and Queensland LNG Industry Unit’s Mal Hellmuth made sure that proposed LNG projects across the country, in particular Queensland, and Australia’s potential as a gas exporter were well covered.
Transmission came into focus in the afternoon as APIA Policy Adviser Steve Davies took the stage to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing the gas transmission industry. He said that population encroachment is posing increasing challenges for existing pipelines located near urban areas. Pipelines in these areas need to have adequate protection to ensure the safety of the pipeline and the surrounding population. Regarding possibilities in the pipeline, he noted that the industry can aid in reducing greenhouse gas emissions as part of carbon capture, transportation and storage – an issue that will be addressed by the recently established Energy Pipelines Co-operative Research Centre.
Also on pipelines, Jemena’s Phil Colvin provided an update on the Colongra Lateral, while Epic Energy’s Stephen Mudge spoke about the South West Queensland Gas Pipeline Expansion and Moomba to Adelaide Pipeline. Ross Gersbach from APA Group spoke about the company’s opportunities for supplying gas on the east coast of Australia.
Nick Hudson examined innovations in the uses for water as a by product of coal seam gas production, including options for its treatment and reuse.
On Thursday morning, talk turned to natural gas vehicles (NGVs) as the International Association for Natural Gas Vehicles’ Brett Jarman, Rare Consulting’s Mark McKenzie and BOC’s Alex Dronoff explored the use of NGVs worldwide, the current state of the NGV industry in Australia, and potential future developments.
Brad Lowson from Wesfarmers LNG and Dean Stuhldreier continued on the topic of transport, discussing the use of LNG and compressed natural gas to fuel heavy vehicles.
Gas products on show
As well as delegates, trade visitors ensured the exhibition was always buzzing. Attendees took the opportunity in session breaks to peruse the 24 stands and explore the latest products and technology.
Meal times provided a great chance to discuss developments in the industry and the latest projects in an informal setting, sponsored by Tremco Pipeline Equipment, Isuzu, Nacap, Finlease and GHD.
Networking opportunities
The exhibition was opened on Tuesday night with Opening Cocktails sponsored by Austral Powerflo Solutions. Delegates got a preview of the exhibition stands and many lingered at booths, discussing various products and services over a drink or two.
Wednesday brought the Gala Dinner, jointly sponsored by HAZQUIP and Gas Liquid Processing. Guests enjoyed a drink in the foyer before taking their seats overlooking the city of Brisbane.
Queensland rugby legend Chris “˜Buddha’ Handy addressed the crowd, ensuring an entertaining evening.
As promised, Buddha also spoke about his days as a prop forward, delighting guests with tales from the Wallaby locker room and commentary box, and shared an anecdote of a spiritual experience while walking the Kokoda Trail.
Looking forward to next year
The 2010 FutureGAS Conference and Exhibition proved a chance for members of the natural gas industry to gather, reuniting with old friends and making new contacts. Make sure you attend FutureGas 2011.