Queensland’s oil and gas explorers take centre stage to tackle impending gas supply issues
Click here for photos from the QEC Investment Showcase event
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Click here to watch a recording of the presentations and panel discussion
It was an electric atmosphere in Brisbane on Tuesday as a crowd of 80 keen investors and energy enthusiasts came together to learn about the exciting potential of local oil and gas explorers from Queensland’s Bowen, Cooper and Surat Basins. With gas supply a key issue facing Australia, these four explorers are well positioned to step up and meet the challenge.
Speaking at the Investment Showcase event, Queensland Exploration Council (QEC) Chair Kim Wainwright emphasised the importance of supporting explorers on their pathway to production, and expressed excitement at bringing together the state’s top gas explorers to generate interest in growing exploration.
“As the largest onshore gas producer in the country, Queensland plays a crucial role in supplying gas to the eastern market. Further exploration is needed to secure that supply, so events like this are of vital importance in maintaining the sunshine state’s premier position as the leading Australian onshore exploration destination,” Ms Wainwright said.
“With a sense of optimism and anticipation in the air, it’s clear that these Queensland gas explorers are on the brink of something big – and investors are eager to seize the opportunity to learn about the innovative solutions being implemented by these explorers and get in on the ground floor,” she said.
Presenting at the event, Armour Energy CEO Christian Lange said the company’s vision is to build a leading exploration and production company, and given its proximity to distribution networks, to focus on supplying gas to the Eastern states.
“A unique aspect of Armour Energy’s portfolio is the relatively short routes available for commercialisation of new discoveries,” Mr Lange said.
“With Armour Energy’s strong balance sheet, we’ll be able to intelligently invest in growing production and reserves, while ensuring that we maintain our outstanding safety and environmental track record,” he said.
Also presenting at the QEC Investment Showcase event, Bengal Energy Exploration Manager Mike Nisbet said the Cooper Basin exploration company is well positioned to capture rare oil and gas opportunities by way of its proprietary technology early production systems.
“Our producing and prospective light oil and natural gas assets in the Cooper Basin present a unique exposure to potentially high impact exploration and production projects,” Mr Nisbet said.
Presenter John Phillips, CEO and Managing Director of Blue Energy, emphasized the advantages of natural gas and the ongoing necessity of the gas industry.
“Turning off fossil fuel too soon will lead to a lower standard of living. It’s vital for not only power generation, but also plays a crucial role in the production of fertilizers, plastics, bricks, glass, and refining critical minerals used for batteries and other applications,” Mr Phillips said.
“Global primary energy consumption is 80% fossil fuel based– you can’t switch that to renewables overnight.
“Right now, the North Bowen Basin is the medium and long-term solution to the east coast gas users’ woes – it just needs nation building gas infrastructure,” Mr Phillips said.
Lauren Bennett, CEO and Managing Director for presenting company Omega Oil & Gas stated that given the forecast gas supply shortages, finding, and developing new sources of unencumbered gas is critical.
“Omega’s proximity to well established Queensland gas infrastructure and the clear requirement for more gas in the major population centres to feed industry, places Omega in a favourable position to build on the gas discovery at its Canyon 2 site and further de-risk a potential 3-TCF of prospective gas resource,” Ms Bennett said.
Media contact: samanthan@qrc.org.au or phone 0422 562 665.