I have accepted this leadership role because I am passionate about the pipeline industry. One of the main attractions of the pipeline business is the level of commitment from the people within the industry to not only their direct roles, but also to the pipeline industry as a whole. This ability to work together to achieve common goals is directly facilitated by APIA. Having a strong association helps bind the industry together and greatly assists members in understanding the breadth of the pipeline business.
The pipeline industry is set for significant growth on the back of the major coal seam gas developments proposed in Queensland and to a lesser extent in New South Wales. For the first time, we are likely to see large diameter long distance pipelines built in Australia from the Surat Basin to the proposed LNG plants in Gladstone. The extent of development proposed in Queensland has the potential to involve a significant number of APIA members, which is a very positive sign for the industry but will create pressure on the limited number of resources available in Australia. The Queensland projects have attracted the interest of a number of international companies that previously have not had significant involvement in Australia.
Further pipeline development is also likely as we move toward a carbon constrained economy to support new gas-fired generation and potentially carbon dioxide pipelines to geosequestration sites. The Copenhagen talks are in progress as I write this but even if agreement is not reached, it is clear that the world will be taking significant steps to reduce emissions and the pipeline industry is well positioned to play a role in this process. As the wind does not always blow and the sun does not always shine, a form of electricity generation is required that is easily switched on and off; is quick and not capital intensive to construct; and is proven technology with lower emissions. Gas-fired generation is the obvious solution and Australia has long-term gas reserves to support both the domestic and LNG industries.
As the pipeline industry grows, it attracts both young engineers and people new to the industry. To help ensure that pipelines are built and operated safely and efficiently during this period of growth, APIA has initiated a pipeline engineer training program. It has initially concentrated on defining the many competencies required in all aspects of pipeline engineering and creating an explanatory document containing useful information for both experienced and new pipeline engineers. The training program has widespread support from the APIA members and the APIA Board wants to develop the program further in the coming year to provide guidance for young engineers, engineering trainers, pipeline owners, and engineering and construction service providers.
Engineering training is part of the agenda of the newly formed Energy Pipelines Co-operative Research Centre (EPCRC), hence the EPCRC will utilise and build on the engineering competency work done to date. The EPCRC will concentrate on pipeline research in the areas of materials, life extension, advanced design and construction and public safety. The Australian Government funding behind the EPCRC will facilitate a significantly increased level of pipeline research to be conducted in Australia and further our already enviable reputation on the world stage.
My term as President will see a focus on a number of new initiatives in addition to the EPCRC and engineering training, such as the Coal Seam Gas Committee tasked with developing an APIA Code of Practice on gathering systems and an increased emphasis on public safety and security of supply. It will be an exciting two years and I would welcome feedback and comments from all members on the strategic direction of the Association.
Peter Cox
President