RBP: still going strong

The 437 km Roma to Brisbane Pipeline (RBP), which was estimated to cost $11 million, was the first natural gas transmission pipeline to be built in Queensland. APA said that the pipeline is the foundation that has led to Queensland developing a world scale gas industry.

This year also marks the 40th anniversary of the start of the RBP’s supply of natural gas to the Gibson Island fertiliser plant. From this single customer in 1969, the pipeline now transports gas to other major users such as the BP Refinery at Bulwer Island, the Swanbank, Oakey and Braemar power stations, as well as to over 160,000 residential consumers who are connected to natural gas distribution networks owned or operated by APA.

The RBP has been expanded over time with the installation of six compressor stations and six stages of looping. Originally, there were two receipt points on the pipeline at Wallumbilla. However, with the emergence of coal seam gas (CSG) as a major energy source in Queensland, a further six receipt points have been added to the pipeline to connect CSG fields.

To celebrate 40 years of the RBP, APA hosted a function in Brisbane on 19 March. The guests who attended included those involved in the development of the pipeline, APA’s major Queensland customers, state and local government representatives and other key industry stakeholders. Senior APA representatives at the function included Managing Director Mick McCormack and Group Manager Operations Stephen Ohl, both of whom have worked on the RBP during their careers.

Apart from providing both commercial value and significant community convenience, the RBP has also made a significant contribution to the environment. In particular, gas to supply a number of electricity generators over the past
10 years, has resulted in excess of 7,000,000 MMt of carbon dioxide emissions being avoided – versus the coal-fired alternative. Furthermore, gas transported through the pipeline for use in household hot water systems in South East Queensland avoids 400,000 MMt/a of carbon dioxide emissions.

The evening was not only important for celebrating the 40th anniversary of the RBP, it was an enjoyable night that gave the opportunity for old friends and colleagues to catch up and swap stories about the challenges of working on the 437 km pipeline through South East Queensland.

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