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  • 10 Feb 2023 3:19 PM | Stephanie Berlin (Administrator)

    A report published today by Australia’s national science agency, CSIRO, provides an assessment of options to mitigate and offset greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions associated with potential production and Australian consumption of gas extracted from the Northern Territory’s Beetaloo Sub-basin.

    The research addresses a recommendation of the 2018 Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the Northern Territory, chaired by the Honorable Justice Pepper. Recommendation 9.8 was seeking to understand potential greenhouse gas emissions as a result from any onshore gas produced in the NT in order “That the NT and Australian governments seek to ensure that there is no net increase in the life cycle GHG emissions emitted in Australia from any onshore shale gas produced in the NT”.

    The research was undertaken by CSIRO as part of GISERA, an alliance led by CSIRO which is a collaboration between CSIRO, commonwealth, state and territory governments and industry.

    GISERA’s purpose is to work with the community to undertake research about the potential or actual impacts of gas development, across major environmental and socio-economic topics. The type of research projects GISERA delivers is decided by committees in each geographical region, with the community voice in each committee always carrying the greatest weight. All research is publicly reported and peer reviewed.

    The Beetaloo Sub-basin is situated southeast of Katherine in the Northern Territory and spans approximately 30,000 square kilometres.  It has been identified as a potential area for gas production, with estimated resources of similar size to other major gas producing basins in Australia, such as the Surat Basin in Queensland and the Bonaparte/Browse basins in Western Australia. 

    Research methodology and findings 

    • As there is currently no gas production in the Beetaloo Sub-basin, CSIRO researchers used a set of production scenarios spanning 2025-2050 to calculate the estimated annual and lifetime emissions. Researchers then assessed options for mitigating or offsetting the emissions estimated in these scenarios.
    • The report was directed to provide technical analysis to estimate emissions and assess mitigation options only, and does not consider other social, environmental and policy factors.
    • Four scenarios considered production of 365 PJ/year and one scenario of 1,130 PJ/year, with a variety of end use cases for the shale gas. The estimated annual emissions associated with these scenarios range from 6.6 million tonnes (Mt) to 33 Mt CO2e/year. For comparison, Australia’s actual GHG emissions in the 12 months to March 2022 were 487.1 Mt CO2e. 
    • Total lifetime emissions (25 years) to be abated under these scenarios ranged from 164 Mt to 826 Mt CO2e. 
    • In terms of emissions intensity, gas delivered to Darwin was estimated at 8.85 kilograms of C02e per gigajoule (GJ) of raw gas input. 
    • Currently more than 7 Mt CO2e/year of mitigation and offsets could be available within the Northern Territory, including mitigation activities during production, potential carbon capture and storage based out of Darwin, savannah fire management and other land-based offsets. 
    • A further 79 to 156 Mt CO2e/year of abatement or offsets is available outside the NT but within Australia, of which this study assumes ten per cent (7.9 to 15.6 Mt/year) would be available for Beetaloo gas development. 
    • All scenarios assumed that the source of onshore shale gas would be the Beetaloo Sub-basin and that extracted gas would be processed before being transported by pipeline to Darwin for further processing and use.
    • The mix of mitigation or offset options assessed for each scenario depended on scale, availability over the lifetime of the gas development, technical feasibility, indicative cost, and a priority for local, well-governed schemes. They included mitigation activities during production, potential carbon capture and storage based out of Darwin, savannah fire management and other land-based offsets.
    • It showed that for the lower impact scenarios (365 PJ/year production) the majority of GHG emissions could be mitigated or offset with options available in Australia. The higher impact scenario (1,130 PJ/year production) would require international offsets in addition to mitigation and offsets within Australia.  

    GISERA Director Dr Damian Barrett said this research responds to community concerns about GHG emissions and provides valuable information to inform discussion around managing impacts of potential onshore gas resource development.

    “This report provides a precise technical analysis of the greenhouse gas emissions associated with onshore gas production scenarios, and important information about mitigation and offset options within the Northern Territory and elsewhere in Australia,” Dr Barrett said.

    About the report 

    The research program was conducted through the CSIRO’s Gas Industry Social and Environmental Research Alliance (GISERA) to inform discussions around proposed onshore gas development in the region.

    It addresses recommendation 9.8 of the Scientific Inquiry into Hydraulic Fracturing in the Northern Territory 2018: "That the NT and Australian governments seek to ensure that there is no net increase in the life cycle GHG emissions emitted in Australia from any onshore shale gas produced in the NT”.

    This research was funded by the CSIRO (25 per cent), Commonwealth (68 per cent) and Northern Territory (4 per cent) governments, and industry (3%). It was approved by GISERA’s NT Research Advisory Committee in July 2020 in response to community concerns about GHG emissions from onshore gas development. 

    This study forms part of a suite of other research activities conducted through CSIRO’s GISERA in the Northern Territory, which include research into groundwater, biodiversity, stygofaunal communities, background seismicity, microbial degradation of chemicals, methane emissions from drilling, transport impacts and decommissioning.

    More information

    GISERA is a national collaboration between commonwealth, state and territory governments, CSIRO and industry, established to undertake independent research in the public interest around the social and environmental impacts of the onshore gas industry.

    All research results, reports, meeting minutes and factsheets are publicly available on the GISERA website.

    CSIRO's GISERA web site project page

    Read the final report

    Download the fact sheet

  • 06 Feb 2023 1:47 PM | Stephanie Berlin (Administrator)

    Australia’s oil and gas industry has urged the Federal Government to use the 2023-24 Budget to encourage investment in new gas supply and emissions reduction measures to put sustained downward pressure on gas prices, help deliver energy security, and fast-track the path to net zero.

    The Australian Petroleum Production & Exploration Association (APPEA) said the sector had never been more important to the nation’s economic and cleaner energy future, and ensuring a dependable investment environment would deliver more benefits to Australians.

    APPEA’s 2023-24 Federal Budget submission, released today, calls for a national carbon capture utilisation and storage (CCUS) roadmap to provide clear policy direction, identify and progress priority hubs for low emissions projects and promote Australia as a regional carbon storage leader.

    APPEA Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said: “Capturing and permanently storing emissions from industrial facilities, including hydrogen production, and directly from the atmosphere makes the most of our world class geological resources and is critical to reaching net zero.”

    APPEA also calls on the government to encourage investment in new gas supply to meet demand and drive down prices, rather than interventionist policies which have the opposite effect.

    Key measures include – letting the market work to bring down prices; progressing new acreage releases; encouraging New South Wales and Victoria to lift moratoriums which are contributing to the highest gas prices in the country; and giving major project status to new supply and low emissions technology projects.

    Ms McCulloch said: “Australia’s natural gas is essential to ensuring a future energy system that is secure, reliable, affordable and central to reaching net zero.

    “The significant contribution from the sector underpins state and federal investment in roads, schools and hospitals, allowed Australia to weather the economic downturn and will play a role in our economic success for decades to come.

    “But the value of our energy resources and their contribution to the economy, jobs and net zero cannot be taken for granted and clear and stable policies are essential to provide industry with confidence to invest in the new energy supplies needed.

    “The recent government price cap intervention – combined with the proposed Mandatory Code of Conduct – lets the government permanently determine gas prices.

    “This – along with ongoing legal hurdles and delays for new oil and gas projects – create significant uncertainty and make investors nervous to allocate new capital to the sector and the economy.

    “The government should take note of the lessons from the price cap implementation when considering permanent regulation of gas prices through a mandatory Code of Conduct. It would send a positive signal to investors to recommit to an open, market-based economy.”

    APPEA is also calling for the government to keep the scope of the proposed Environmental Protection Agency consistent with its pre-election commitments, while removing existing duplication under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act, avoiding new duplication, and streamlining approvals.

    Ms McCulloch said: “We want to improve environmental standards and build business certainty, avoiding added costs to project approvals and delays at a time when new supply is so important.”

    The full suite of APPEA recommendations to be considered for the 2023-24 Federal Budget include:

    Accelerating the pathway to net zero

    Develop a national CCUS roadmap to:

    • Provide clear CCUS policy direction and consistent regulatory frameworks. Support collaboration to ensure CCUS and carbon removal technologies are available across the economy.
    • Identify and advance priority hubs for CCUS, low-carbon hydrogen and hard-to-abate industry.
    • Demonstrate that Australia is “open for business” as a regional CO2 storage focal point.

    Enabling investment for a secure, affordable energy future

    • Let the market work to unlock new gas supply and drive down Australia’s energy prices.
    • Support new oil and gas development through acreage releases, and encourage states to lift moratoriums on new exploration and development.
    • Assign major project status for new energy supply and low emissions technology projects.
    • Ensure a modern and competitive fiscal system that removes regulatory and investment barriers to efficient market operation.

    Protecting and preserving Australia’s environment

    • Remove existing duplication, avoid new duplication, and streamline EPBC Act approvals.
    • Limit the scope of the independent Environmental Protection Agency consistent with the government’s pre-election commitment.
    • Finalise the decommissioning legislative reform and financial assurance framework.

    View the APPEA 2023-24 Federal Budget Submission here.

    To view this media release as a PDF, please click here.

  • 06 Feb 2023 1:42 PM | Stephanie Berlin (Administrator)

    Entries are now open for the 2023 In.Site Photographic Awards. Now in its fourth year, In.Site is a great opportunity for employees of the natural gas industry to showcase their photographic flair.

    The 2023 In.Site Photographic Awards celebrate the beautiful towns, cities and landscapes of Australia’s natural gas sector, highlighting the relationship between the industry and the communities and environments in which it works.

    To further celebrate the industry’s connection to community, as part of the competition, APPEA will make a charitable donation to an organisation which is vital in the areas in which our industry operates.                                                   

    Here’s an overview of the prizes on offer:

    Overall Winner

    • $5,000 voucher from Ted’s Cameras
    • Complimentary attendance to the 2023 APPEA Conference from Monday 15 to Thursday 18 May 2023
    • Professionally framed print of your winning photograph
    • Winner’s certificate
    • Your profile promoted on our Brighter channels


    Category Winners (‘Environment’, ‘Community’, ‘People’)

    Respective winners of the Environment, Community and People categories will receive the following:

    • $1,000 voucher from Ted’s Cameras
    • Complimentary attendance to the 2023 APPEA Conference from Monday 15 to Thursday 18 May 2023
    • Professionally framed print of your winning photograph
    • Winner’s certificate
    • Your profile promoted on our Brighter channels

    All competition winners’ photos will also be immortalised through use on APPEA’s digital and print publications.                                                                 

    So, how does the competition work? Send us your pictures in one of three categories — Environment, Community, and People — and you could be in to win some great prizes.

    Don’t worry if you feel like you’re a beginner — whether you’re rocking a Huawei or a Hasselblad, all skill levels are encouraged to apply. To further celebrate the industry’s connection to community, as part of the competition, APPEA will make a charitable donation to an organisation which is vital in the areas in which our industry operates.

    Here’s a brief explanation of the categories:

    Environment showcases the natural world in which the industry operates, from deserts to oceans and everything in between – this is the category if you want to send us your most stunning landscapes.

    Community highlights the towns and communities that enable the natural gas industry to operate; it could be a local bakery, a favourite park, transport vehicles delivering machinery etc.

    People does what it says on the tin – this category reflects the spirit of the people around us, whether it’s a treasured colleague, new graduate employee, or member of the local community like a teacher or butcher.

    The Overall Winner is the person whose photo the judges feel best captures the spirit of their workplace, local community or environment, and will be chosen from all entries across all categories.

    Entries close on Friday 14 April and the winners will be announced on Friday 21 April.

    For more info, click here

    SUBMIT YOUR ENTRY NOW

  • 25 Jan 2023 1:57 PM | Stephanie Berlin (Administrator)

    Top End Energy Limited (Top End or the Company) (ASX:TEE) is pleased to announce that it has been successful in its application for Area L22-6 in the highly prospective Amadeus Basin.

    HIGHLIGHTS

    • The Company has secured a 100% interest in Area L22-6, a 6,300km2 area containing the untested and historically overlooked basin margin extension to the proven Amadeus Basin in the Northern Territory
    • Immediately adjacent to the Company’s existing Northern Territory Amadeus Basin portfolio, leveraging existing knowledge and providing technical and operational synergies
    • Multiple play fairways have been identified across the permit for conventional Hydrocarbons, Helium and Hydrogen, all of which have been discovered in the basin
    • Committed and phased work program tailored to maturing multiple focus areas using modern technology 

    For full ASX Announcement, click here

  • 12 Jan 2023 10:44 AM | Stephanie Berlin (Administrator)

    Empire Energy Group Limited is pleased to provide shareholders with an update regarding its operations in the Beetaloo Sub-basin. 

    Comments from Managing Director Alex Underwood:


    "The team has again delivered great results with the execution of the C-3H hydraulic stimulation and C-4V drilling program significantly under budget. Empire continues to be the Beetaloo’s drilling, hydraulic stimulation and cost leader.

    Flow testing at C-3H will commence imminently, with initial gas flow rates expected in the coming weeks. Empire will then recommence flow testing on C-2H, following a period of shut-in to monitor pressure build up. C-4V has confirmed that the Velkerri shales continue through to the Carpentaria East fault block with consistent thickness and ~150 metres additional depth. We anticipate a significant uplift in independently assessed contingent resources later this Quarter.

    Front end engineering and design work continues for the Carpentaria Pilot Project alongside gas sales and pipeline connection negotiations.

    These results further increase the team’s confidence as we drive towards early commercialisation.

    The strong cost performance of this program leaves Empire well-funded for the critical upcoming work required to make a Final Investment Decision."


    Please click here to read the full announcement

    Source: Empire Energy Group

  • 11 Jan 2023 5:28 PM | Stephanie Berlin (Administrator)

    Sun Cable enters voluntary administration – Strong development progress and portfolio provides opportunity for refreshed alignment between company and investor objectives.

    Sun Cable Pty Ltd (“Company”) has made the difficult decision to enter voluntary administration. The voluntary administration process will now unlock a path forward for the Company to access additional capital for continued development of its marque project, the Australia-Asia PowerLink (AAPowerLink) and progress the next stage of its development portfolio in a strong market.

    Christopher Hill, David McGrath and John Park of FTI Consulting have been appointed as voluntary administrators of the Company. The administrators have not been appointed to any of the Company’s subsidiaries. The Administrators intend to work with the Company’s management team and key stakeholders to determine appropriate next steps for the business. This will likely involve a process to seek expressions of interest for either a recapitalisation or sale of the business.

    The appointment followed the absence of alignment with the objectives of all shareholders. Whilst funding proposals were provided, consensus on the future direction and funding structure of the company could not be achieved.

    Sun Cable continues to represent an outstanding strategic opportunity to operationally deliver the largest renewable energy project in the world, with the AAPowerLink project to supply power to the Northern Territory and Singapore, commencing late this decade. Sun Cable currently has a portfolio of a further 11 GW of proposed projects, which is equivalent to over 3 times that of the AAPowerLink.

    Major milestones in the development of the AAPowerLink, include:

    • October 2022: Announced that Sun Cable is 50% over-subscribed for offtake interest in Singapore, having received Letters of Intent for ~2.5GW, versus planned supply of ~1.75GW.
    • November 2022: Identification in the Northern Territory of offtakers with around 30GW of renewable electricity demand, resulting in scope for further projects to be developed to serve this demand.
    • Government & regulatory approvals: 
      – 2019: Major Project Status from the Northern Territory Government
      – 2020: Major Project Status from the Australian Government
      – 2021: Placed on the National Infrastructure Priority List in Australia and deemed ‘Investment Ready’ by Infrastructure Australia
      – September 2021: Indonesia announces preliminary route approval for the subsea cable.
      – 2022: The Solar Project (Australia-Asia PowerLink) (Special Provisions) Act 2022 enacted, providing strong regulatory guidance and facilitation for the project in the Northern Territory.


    Founder and CEO of Sun Cable, David Griffin said:
    “Sun Cable has made extraordinary progress in developing the AAPowerLink. This project remains well placed for completion. As we have progressed our work, the demand for delivering reliable, dispatchable 24/7 renewable energy in the NT and the region has risen materially. Sun Cable looks forward to developing and operating the projects to meet this demand.”

    Chair of Sun Cable, Mike Cannon-Brookes said:
    “Sun Cable has achieved so much since it was founded in 2018. I’m confident it will play a huge role in delivering green energy for the world, right here from Australia. I fully back this ambition and the team, and look forward to supporting the company’s next chapter.”

    Link to: 11 January 2023 MEDIA STATEMENT

    For all further enquiries, please contact:
    Shane Murphy
    Strategic Communications
    FTI Consulting
    0420 945 291
    shane.murphy@fticonsulting.com

  • 09 Jan 2023 2:07 PM | Stephanie Berlin (Administrator)

    Santos returning to Tiwi Islands in February for further talks on Barossa gas.

    Energy giant Santos will hold three consecutive days of consultation meetings on the Tiwi Islands next month.

    The global oil and gas producer will be on the Tiwis from February 6 speaking with stakeholders from Wurrumiyanga, Milikapiti and Pirlangimpi.

    It follows a successful legal challenge by Tiwi Island senior lawman Dennis Tipakalippa to the company’s $5bn Timor Sea Barossa gas project.

    Work on the project stopped following a September Federal Court decision that Santos failed to adequately consult with local Indigenous people on the development.

    Mr Tipakalippa challenged petroleum regulator the National Offshore Petroleum Safety and Environmental Management Authority decision to allow Santos to drill wells about 260km north-west of Darwin and about 140km north of the Tiwi Islands.

    The company appealed Justice Mordy Bromberg’s judgement but declined taking further legal action when the Federal Court upheld the decision on appeal in December.

    Santos wants to develop the Barossa gas field and link it by pipeline to the Darwin LNG plant.

    The company believes the project has the potential to create multiple Territory jobs and inject significant royalty dollars into the NT economy.

    A Santos spokesperson said the company is serious about consultation.

    “We’re committed to building and maintaining mutually beneficial relationships with the communities where we operate,” Santos said.

    “As part of the Barossa gas development project, we have worked with the Tiwi Land Council to schedule three community sessions for the Tiwi Islands in early February where the community are invited to attend to learn more about the project and upcoming plans, ask questions, and tell us how they want to be consulted on the project as it progresses.

    “Feedback is important to us. Santos wants to build strong, positive and productive relationships with Traditional Owners and communities of the Tiwi Islands, and we respect their cultural heritage, beliefs and culture. We are committed to carefully assessing all the feedback from the community sessions and consider it going forward.

    “The Barossa Gas Development Project has the potential to create and sustain hundreds of jobs in the Northern Territory and inject significant money into the local economy, through the purchase of local goods and services during both construction and operations.”

    Following the rejection of the appeal, Federal Resources Minister Madeleine King said she would direct NOPSEMA to provide improved guidance to the petroleum and gas industry on consultation requirements.

    “The Federal Court decision has provided directions on what is expected in relation to consulting Traditional Owner groups. The Government will work with NOPSEMA to ensure that robust consultation requirements are clearly communicated to industry,” Minister King said.

    She said it was the government’s “clear expectation” that industry make genuine and rigorous efforts to consult with First Nations peoples as part of the regulatory approvals process and in accordance with law.

    “I will also ask the NOPSEMA advisory board to advise government on further steps, if any, that the regulator or government should take to clarify consultation expectations,” Minister King said

    Tiwi Islands Land Council has been contacted for comment.

    Santos will be at Milikapiti Sport and Recreation Centre at 10.30am February 6, Pirlangimpi Club at 10.30am February 7 and Mantiyupwi Motel meeting room 10.30am February 8.

    Source: NT News 

    Link to story, click here

  • 23 Dec 2022 1:58 PM | Stephanie Berlin (Administrator)

    Tamboran Resources EP 98 Operational Update

    Amungee 2H drilled ahead of budget and schedule

    Highlights

    • The Amungee 2H (A2H) in EP 98 was successfully drilled to a total depth (TD) of 3,883 metres, including a 1,275-metre horizontal section, which was placed in the most prospective zone within the Mid-Velkerri “B Shale” formation. The well encountered significant gas shows within the MidVelkerri “B Shale” formation, in line with pre-drill expectations.

    • The A2H well has been drilled and cased with 5-½ inch casing, the optimal casing size to place a high intensity stimulation and on par with modern US unconventional drilling designs.

    • The well was drilled in 38 days (spud to TD) at a total cost of $14.1 million (excluding casing and cementing), slightly ahead of pre-drill design days and budget.

    • Tamboran is planning up to 24 stimulation stages within the Mid-Velkerri “B Shale”, expected to commence during the first quarter of calendar year 2023, subject to weather conditions.

    • Tamboran is fully funding the drilling, stimulation and flow testing of the A2H well, in accordance with the Stage 3 farm-in agreement (FIA) between Tamboran and Falcon Oil & Gas Australia Limited (Falcon).

    • A comprehensive review of all data across the recently acquired acreage is currently underway. Once finalised, the location of the second and final well of FIA will be selected.

    Tamboran Resources Limited (ASX: TBN) Managing Director and CEO, Joel Riddle, said: “We are pleased to have drilled and cased the A2H well ahead of budget and schedule. The well intersected the Mid-Velkerri ‘B Shale’ at 2,413 metres vertical depth, in line with pre-drill expectation. The well was drilled with a 1,275-metre horizontal section, which is planned to be stimulated with up to 24 stages during the first quarter of calendar year 2023, subject to weather conditions.

    “The key objective of drilling, stimulating and flow testing the A2H well over the 1,275-metre horizontal section is to determine the gas deliverability of the Mid-Velkerri ‘B Shale’ in the deeper regions of the Beetaloo Basin. Importantly, the well was completed with 5-½ inch casing, on par with modern US unconventional drilling designs.

    “From our team’s experience in drilling unconventional wells in North America, this is the optimal casing size to place a high intensity stimulation. The larger casing diameter is expected to deliver sand and fluid at an increased rate to the perforations during the stimulation. This is a proven concept that has been known to deliver significantly higher production rates and Estimated Ultimate Recovery (EUR) than smaller casing diameter.

    “The drilling operations have been performed safely, with no recordable injuries or reportable environmental incidents to date. This is a huge credit to our team, and our contractors, who have enabled a smooth transfer of operatorship since Tamboran’s acquisition of Origin’s Beetaloo assets in early November 2022.

    “The location of the second well, which is targeted to be drilled in 2023, is under review. The site will be finalised following the completion of a comprehensive review of the data within the newly acquired EP 76/98/117 acreage.” 

    To view the full ASX announcement, click here

  • 14 Dec 2022 9:13 AM | Stephanie Berlin (Administrator)

    Inpex boss Roland Houareau is leaving the top job with local manager Stuart Knowles taking over as NT general manager.

    Mr Houareau and his family are returning to Perth.

    After four years guiding the company through production start-up as NT general manager, Mr Houareau is heading home to support the INPEX New Energy Business Australia (NEBA) unit as general manager Operations.

    NEBA is Inpex’s non-hydrocarbon unit and will take an increasingly prominent role in the company’s growth.

    It’s a natural step for Mr Houareau who joined Inpex in 2009 as the company began its push to get gas from the Ichthys Field for onshore processing in the Territory.

    His career had begun more than a decade earlier when he worked for Western Mining before joining engineering giant Bechtel, which eventually played a key role in the Darwin LNG construction.

    However, while Inpex anticipates four decades of production in Darwin and construction of a third LNG train, the company is transitioning towards decarbonisation and green alternatives to ensure it remains a relevant energy provider in the future.

    “Supporting the world’s growing need for affordable, secure and clean energy is a core part of our future and underpins our commitment to sustainable growth in Australia. We are focused on decarbonising our operations and reducing emissions is a really clear objective,” Mr Houareau said.

    Mr Houareau’s physical relocation will not end his close ties with the Territory, where he has held a number of board positions including on the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Charles Darwin University Risk and Audit Committee, Department of Education Board of Studies as well as the Humpty Doo Barramundi Board and the Essington Canons basketball side, both of which he will continue from interstate.

    His two children have lived almost half their lives in Darwin and wife Catherine has also made strong ties here.

    “The NT is an outstanding place to do business and raise a family and we’ve been fortunate to be able to live and work here.”

    Mr Houareau takes pride in his contribution to the company through its transition from construction to production and that Inpex plays an active role in Darwin’s business community.

    During his tenure the Inpex Corporation Board of Directors held its first meeting outside Japan in Darwin; and four years after start-up Ichthys LNG safely completed its 750th cargo.

    About 98 per cent of the company’s Territory workforce of approximately 300 live locally, further cementing Inpex’s economic and social contribution.

    “We came here to grow Inpex, embrace the community and to live as a family unit in Darwin and we’re very proud of what we’ve been able to contribute to the community.”

    Under Inpex’s leadership transition plan, Mr Knowles’ appointment as general manager begins on January 1.

    He’s lived in Darwin since coming here with the Australian Army in 1990 and left the services when he was set to be re-posted.

    A mechanic by trade, Mr Knowles has held a number of private sector roles including working with Mack trucks in Berrimah before accepting a position as strategic project manager with the Department of the Chief Minister in 2012, which first brought him into contact with the Ichthys LNG project.

    He joined Inpex Operations Australia as Compliance Approvals Manager in 2014 before joining the company’s corporate team in 2019 after production had begun.

    His qualifications include auditing and professional management and he is a member of the Australian Institute of Company Directors.

    He also sits on the NT Chamber’s Board of Directors.

    “The company had a transition plan and this involved bringing in somebody who lived locally and I am privileged to have the opportunity to take up the role,” Mr Knowles said.

    Released earlier this year, Inpex Vision@ 2022 charts the company’s course to 2050 including decarbonising its operations and the potential development of a third LNG train here in Darwin.

    “Our goal is to become a leading global company serving an essential role in society by delivering energy in a sustainable way. The NT is incredibly important to our business and our future growth plans.

    “Societal and consumer changes are driving shifts in the energy market and I’m quietly confident that there will be further investment by INPEX into the Northern Territory in the future,” Mr Knowles said

    Another priority will be achieving the company’s Towards a Net Zero Carbon Society by 2050 pledge, which will in part be delivered through the development of carbon capture and storage technology to be completed later this decade.

    “We’re very keen to do testing to progress storing emissions deep under the ocean floor,” he said.

    Mr Knowles does not picture a significant change in direction under his management, in keeping with the path charted by Mr Houareau.

    “He took Inpex from the project phase to the operational phase and set the culture with shareholders, government, the community and other industry peers which he has left in very good shape,” Mr Knowles said.

    “For me, it’s not just sustaining, but building on that legacy. The NT is home for my family and I, INPEX has an excellent future in the NT and we’re very excited to be a part of that.”

    Source: NT News
  • 12 Dec 2022 2:22 PM | Stephanie Berlin (Administrator)

    Empire's Beetaloo assets not subject to Australian Domestic Gas Price Cap

    • On 9 December 2022, Australian Treasurer Hon Dr Jim Chalmers MP announced a temporary gas price cap of $12 / GJ for new domestic wholesale gas contracts for 12 months
    • Gas from undeveloped fields is NOT subject to the price cap
    • Empire’s Beetaloo Sub-basin assets are NOT subject to the price cap
    • More detail needed on ‘reasonable pricing provisions’

    On 9 December 2022, the Australian Treasurer, in a joint media release with the Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Minister for Resources and the Minister for Industry and Science (“the Ministers’ Joint Media Release”), announced measures to limit the impact of high gas prices on Australian consumers. The measures include a temporary price cap of $12 / GJ for new domestic wholesale gas contracts by east coast producers for 12 months for gas sourced from current operational fields. A voluntary code of conduct for the gas market will become mandatory, and a reasonable pricing provision will be included.

    The gas price cap does not apply to gas from undeveloped fields. In relation to this exemption, the Treasurer stated: “New sources of supply from undeveloped fields will be exempted from the cap, and instead be covered by the reasonable pricing provision, to ensure incentives to invest in new supply are maintained.”

    A consultation period for the mandatory code of conduct, including the reasonable pricing provision, will be open until 7 February 2023. Clarity on the detail and intended function of the reasonable pricing provision will be critical in determining future investment decisions on supply of gas into the domestic market. Empire intends to make submissions during the consultation period to highlight the important role that the company’s Beetaloo Basin gas resources can have in providing material additional supply to the critically short east coast gas market in years ahead while generating broad economic benefits for the people of the Northern Territory and Australia. 

    To view the full ASX Announcement and the full text of the Ministers’ Joint Media Release, click here

    Source: Empire Energy Group

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