bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Session 5. Oral Presentation for: Building a carbon dioxide storage portfolio for the Barrow-Dampier sub-basins through regional screening – an integrated geoscience approach
Authors: Barlass David
Published: June 2024

Presented on Tuesday 21 May: Session 5 Safe geological carbon dioxide (CO2) storage (GCS) requires rocks with suitable injectivity, capacity and sealing properties to ensure secure long-term containment of injected CO2. A regional understanding of the subsurface is essential to determine the potential for GCS of a basin and to select target sites. This is best addressed by integrating the basin’s tectono-stratigraphic evolution, its gross depositional environment, and its hydrodynamic, thermal and stress regimes. A basin-scale GCS assessment for the Barrow-Dampier sub-basins was conducted by Geoscience Australia and SLB. The objective of the study is to high-grade geological intervals and sites for potential GCS and to understand potential storage capacity and key risk factors. Stratigraphic and structural mapping of key storage intervals was performed using the reprocessed seismic volume and well database associated with the project. Analysis of critically stressed faults was used to estimate the likelihood of reactivation based on the far-field regional stress field and fault mechanical properties. Pressure, temperature, porosity, permeability, and water geochemistry data have been screened for >500 wells for assessing the storage unit intervals and predicting the hydrodynamic regime. Calibrated 2D basin models provide information on the regional pressure-temperature regime, porosity/permeability distribution, and sealing effectiveness. Potentiometric surface maps for the aquifer systems inform the distribution of potential CO2 plume migration. Results of this integrated regional basin study are used to quantify the risk of identified storage containers and to map the chance of success for GCS at a regional scale. The project results are publicly available via NOPIMS. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 5. Oral Presentation for: The role of salt basins in the race to net zero: a focus on Australian basins and key research topics
Authors: Kernen Rachelle
Published: June 2024

Presented on Tuesday 21 May: Session 5 Globally, many salt basins host highly productive fossil fuel resources and provide excellent opportunities for developing economically viable clean energy systems such as (1) energy storage in salt caverns, including hydrogen, helium, natural gas, and other economic gases; (2) permanent sequestration of carbon dioxide; (3) development of geothermal energy; (4) critical mineral exploration and extraction, and (5) natural hydrogen production. Despite the high potential to deploy financially viable clean energy solutions related to the formation and evolution of salt basins, our current knowledge regarding critical aspects of salt basin characterisation in Australia is limited. New research is necessary to develop these sustainable energy systems and achieve net zero emissions; therefore, it is critical to re-evaluate the geology of salt basins. Key research areas to enable these opportunities relate to the precipitation, deposition, and deformation of salt basins. This paper reviews the potential for a range of energy systems within salt basins, outlines emerging research topics, and demonstrates the value of Australian salt basin outcrop analogues for improved subsurface interpretation globally. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 6. Oral Presentation for: Case study using APDMS and RPEMS for SAWL pipes and benefits for offshore pipelay
Authors: Kathayat T. S.
Published: June 2024

Presented on Tuesday 21 May: Session 6 This paper reviews an Automatic Pipe Dimension Measurement System (APDMS) and a Robotic Pipe End Measurement System (RPEMS) which can measure 19 and 9 parameters with the help of 72 and 6 measurement sensors respectively. APDMS and RPEMS are integrated into one optical measurement system, using laser triangulation, coupled with Systems, Applications and Products in Data Processing (SAP) integration and its own calibration modulus which provides an accurate solution to all pipe measurements. Two longitudinal submerged arc welded offshore projects were executed for an offshore pipe lay with close dimensional tolerances measured using the APDMS for one project and RPEMS for the other project. The radii data, assessed from the newly calculated common centre of all cross-sectional data, was used to line up the two adjacent pipes in a faster and more accurate way. By knowing the shape of the pipe ends based on this radii data, the best relative rotation of these two pipes can be determined and any misalignment will be verified and will stay within the requirements. The extensive database available for each pipe helped to match the line pipes with similar or close out-of-roundness at pipe ends resulting in good fitment of the pipes and ultimately quality welds, together with more pipe joints per day, resulting in a faster completion of the project. This paper shows the significance of using both systems. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 7. Oral Presentation for: Critical incidents: what the psychologist sees
Authors: Hart Zara
Published: June 2024

Presented on Tuesday 21 May: Session 7 In the life span of a critical incident, every decision counts. The opportunity to prevent the event has passed, so the avoidance and mitigation of risk becomes the primary goal. The same is true of early intervention in trauma. This paper shares the experience of these events from the perspective of a visiting psychologist. It will include tips for Emergency Management Teams (EMTs) in setting the psychologist up for effective interventions. Also, a triage model that can be used to mitigate psychological harm and channel the most impacted crew members towards help is discussed. It will also suggest ways that operators can collaborate with Employee Assistance Providers to ensure that impacted crew members receive trauma informed care post crisis. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 8. Oral Presentation for: Steps to accelerate net zero delivery
Authors: Anderson Clare
Published: June 2024

Presented on Tuesday 21 May: Session 8 Worley and Princeton University’s Andlinger Center for Energy and the Environment are working together to shift the net zero narrative from what is needed, to how to meet this immense infrastructure delivery challenge. Together, we assert that this challenge cannot be met through a traditional project delivery approach. We have developed a new delivery paradigm, which identifies five key shifts in infrastructure delivery practices to build the durable, responsible, and pragmatic means of achieving the required scale and speed of mid-century net zero. We believe that the new delivery paradigm needs to be in place by 2030, and an annual survey conducted by Princeton University is tracking the uptake by industry. The third instalment in our thought leadership series ‘From Ambition to Reality (FATR): Steps to accelerate net zero delivery’, explores the scale of the EU’s 2030 Hydrogen ambition and how the five key shifts could accelerate the delivery of 10 million tonnes per annum of renewable hydrogen in the next 6 years. This has led to our proposed EU Renewable H2 Plan, which has been further globalised to our 2024 FATR Plan for application to any low carbon sector or supply chain. In this paper, we examine the initiatives set out in the 2024 FATR Plan in the context of the Australian oil and gas industry. We outline the steps that can be taken right now to support the decarbonisation of the Australian oil and gas industry alongside the development of a new hydrogen industry. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 8. Oral Presentation for: From carrot to stick – the impact of a changing landscape of CCS policy and funding in Australia since 1999
Authors: Johnstone Rosie
Published: June 2024

Presented on Tuesday 21 May: Session 8 Since 1999 successive Australian Commonwealth governments have provided direct funding for carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) projects, notably the carbon capture and storage (CCS) Flagships Fund (Rudd government, 2009). The most recent CCUS Hubs and Technologies Fund (Morrison government, 2022) was later revoked (Albanese government, 2022) marking a shift from direct funding (‘carrot’) to emission reduction through a strengthening of the Safeguard Mechanism, the introduction of a 43% emissions reduction target by 2030, and the establishment of the Net Zero Authority (‘stick’). Reports such as the ‘Net Zero Mobilisation Report’, have delineated the need for, and size of, the role of CCUS in Australia, especially for hard-to-abate sectors and the report states ‘private investment in a CCUS industry requires targeted government support’ i.e. funding. As government focus moves from direct funding support for CCS to CCU and direct air capture (DAC), the development of underground geological storage of carbon dioxide will be largely left to fossil fuel emitters, especially large liquefied natural gas (LNG) companies, reflected in current Western Australian government policy (Cook government, 2023) to develop CCS strategy as part of the LNG Jobs Taskforce. The only current exception is CarbonNet, operated by the Victorian government and one of the early CCS Flagship funded projects. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 10. Oral Presentation for: Revisiting the rocks discovers turbidites and a new exploration play in the Penola Trough, Otway Basin, South Australia
Authors: Tiainen Sharon
Published: June 2024

Presented on Wednesday 22 May: Session 10 As part of an integrated geological, geochemical, and geophysical study, conventionally cored intervals from the lower-most stratigraphic section of the onshore South Australian part of the Penola Trough, Otway Basin have been reviewed and reinterpreted. Three conventionally cored wells; Bungaloo-1, Jolly-1ST1 and Sawpit-2, were described using a quick-look approach to determine gross lithological and sedimentological information. Seven lithology types were observed: clay-siltstone with horizontal lamination, diamictite (claystone with horizontal lamination and dropstones), clay-siltstone with massive-horizontal lamination, silt-sandstone with horizontal lamination, sandstone with ripple lamination, sandstone with parallel lamination and sandstone with massive bedding ± rip-up clasts. The first two lithologies are interpreted as representing deposition in a cold climate, profundal-lacustrine depositional environment. The first, containing interpreted varves is the most distal and the second, containing dropstones indicates relatively colder freeze/thaw conditions. The last five lithologies are interpreted as lacustrine turbidite depositional environments, specifically Bouma sequences Te, Td, Tc, Tb and Ta, respectively. Seismic facies interpretation has identified canyon-like and mound features and interpreted them as slope-feeder channels and fan/s respectively, at and away from well control. This rock-based turbidite interpretation provides an alternative to the current alluvial channel/crevasse splay/floodplain lake model for reservoir deposition and as such presents a new exploration play. Further the reservoirs’ immediate lateral association with gas/oil-prone source rocks and seals in the clay-rich lithologies potentially provide for stratigraphic trapping in addition to the previously targeted fault-controlled structural traps. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 13. Oral Presentation for: Developing a ‘fit for purpose’ approach to measuring methane emissions
Authors: Joynes Ian
Published: June 2024

Presented on Wednesday 22 May: Session 13 Tackling methane emissions from fossil fuel operations represents one of the best near- and medium-term opportunities for limiting the effects of climate change. Over the last few years, independent methane studies have challenged the accuracy and completeness of publicly disclosed emissions estimates. To address this, new methane accounting and reporting frameworks have been developed. Central to these frameworks are key principles linked to measurement, monitoring, reporting, verification (MMRV) and reduction. Woodside has taken specific actions to measure and reduce its methane emissions and is developing a pathway to embed ongoing and sustainable measurements technologies in its operations. Previously, Woodside discussed the management and valuation of methane reductions, this paper will describe the approach taken to develop methane measurement plans including (i) the objective of measurement plans, (ii) measurement technology attributes and (iii) the identification of measurement technology use cases. It also overviews measurement techniques such as satellite, aerial, drone, handheld and continuous monitoring which can form part of a curated multi-scale approach to MMRV across a portfolio of assets. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 13. Oral Presentation for: Emissions reduction in LNG production facilities through emerging post-combustion carbon capture and storage technologies
Authors: Kearns David T.
Published: June 2024

Presented on Wednesday 22 May: Session 13 The liquefied natural gas (LNG) sector relies extensively on gas turbines for on-site power generation and to drive refrigeration compressors. They provide an efficient and reliable energy source for LNG operations in remote locations. With upcoming changes to the Safeguard Mechanism in Australia, there is an increased focus on Scope 1 emissions, so management and targeted reduction are a priority to reduce liabilities. Despite technology advancements, gas turbines remain one of the largest sources of carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions in LNG production facilities. Also, in Australia, many facilities are not grid-connected, meaning that displacement of Scope 1 emissions through renewable electricity sourcing is a challenge. To develop deeper cuts in Scope 1 emissions, one solution is to deploy post-combustion carbon capture and storage (CCS) on existing gas turbines, with the potential to reduce associated emissions by over 90%. Globally, a number of LNG facilities are already deploying CCS to permanently store reservoir CO2 from the LNG processing trains. Several Australian LNG facilities are located in close proximity to potential CO2 storage reservoirs, meaning that a coordinated approach to both reservoir and post-combustion CO2 should be considered when sizing pipelines, shipping systems and storage wells to optimise and leverage the required investment. This paper outlines the technological, economic and policy aspects of integrating both reservoir post-combustion CCS on LNG facilities, including barriers and opportunities for deployment. It will discuss new developments and enablers for CCS to be more widely deployed at LNG production sites. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 13. Oral Presentation for: Charting a path to low-carbon leadership: unlocking up to 90% emissions reductions in greenfield LNG
Authors: Carydias Peter , Crabtree Scott
Published: June 2024

Presented on Wednesday 22 May: Session 13 The liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry stands at the cusp of a transformation driven by the climate imperative. Focussing on the Middle Arm Industrial Precinct, this paper shows how carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions are being reduced in a proposed world-class LNG project by assessing, screening and selecting known technologies using a Marginal Abatement philosophy linked to key emissions drivers. (1) We propose a new breed of electrified LNG facilities that could deliver an up to 90% reduction in CO2 intensity. (2) We show that through developing strategic partnerships in upstream renewable power, hydrogen supply, and enabled downstream carbon capture and storage (CCS), the significant low carbon energy requirements of an LNG facility can be delivered. (3) We discuss a Marginal Abatement assessment strategy which ensures a pathway to viable lowest cost opportunities selected in an ‘Avoid & Mitigate’ first approach. This proposed strategy ensures that CO2 emission reduction opportunities are assessed and selected consistently to determine both a lifecycle cost ($) and volume (tons CO2e) of emission reduction. These innovative strategies collectively articulate a roadmap for a low carbon future for LNG and other heavy industrial industries, underlining Australia’s potential to become a leading provider of low-carbon natural resources. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 14. Oral Presentation for: Beetaloo or bust: the route to commercial success for an Australian Shale play
Authors: Forbes Anne
Published: June 2024

Presented on Wednesday 22 May: Session 14 There is a huge unconventional shale gas resource in the remote heart of the Northern Territory with the potential to trigger big new gas developments in Darwin, including export liquefied natural gas (LNG), and underpin the chronically undersupplied East Coast market. And yet despite this promise, the Beetaloo is not universally viewed as a viable commercial project. Nonetheless, the Beetaloo is one of the hottest topics in Australia’s upstream sector, and two of its key operators, Tamboran and Empire, are closing in on final investment decision (FID) for initial gas production. So why are many in the market still sceptical the play will work? To create a definitive answer, we investigate the key factors required to make the Beetaloo commercially viable. We will evaluate what a Beetaloo gas project could look like across a range of resource sizes, estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) from analogue production profiles, and well costs. The work aims to understand the key cost barriers and price hurdles that need to be broached for economic success. From here we can determine the full range of economic pitfalls and potential rewards that lie in wait for ambitious Beetaloo operators. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 15. Oral Presentation for: 2023 Exploration and appraisal year in review
Authors: Craig Adam
Published: June 2024

Presented on Wednesday 22 May: Session 15 Petroleum exploration expenditure in 2023 increased modestly over that of 2022, but remains well below expenditure highs of a decade ago which were dominated by offshore activity. Exploration is dominant in onshore state jurisdictions and has been since 2019, and will continue to be with no Federal offshore petroleum exploration acreage release rounds or exploration permit awards in 2023. Despite the modest increase in exploration expenditure there were 38 exploration wells drilled in 2023, an increase from the 26 wells drilled in 2022. Three of these 2023 wells were located offshore, targeting prospective resources in the vicinity of liquefied natural gas (LNG) project upstream gas fields. Thirty-four conventional onshore exploration wells were drilled in 2023 compared to 18 in 2022, a significant increase. The Cooper–Eromanga Basin was the focus of onshore exploration drilling with 21 exploration wells, compared to 13 in 2022, which yielded six discoveries. The onshore Northern Perth Basin continues to be an exploration hot spot with five wells drilled in 2023, compared to four in 2022. The Permian Kingia Sandstone exploration play continues to deliver exploration success, with discoveries at North Erregulla Deep-1, Trigg Northwest-1, South Erregulla-3 and Tarantula Deep-1. Five exploration permits were awarded in onshore Western Australia and two in Queensland. These permits were awarded with modest exploration work programs. The interest in carbon capture and storage projects and assessment acreage continues with a Federal offshore greenhouse gas (GHG) release round in 2023 and 26 onshore state jurisdiction GHG assessment permits awarded or nominated preferred tender status. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 16. Oral Presentation for: Building a carbon storage portfolio for the Barrow and Dampier sub-basins – a national resource
Authors: Barlass David
Published: June 2024

Presented on Wednesday 22 May: Session 16 The Australian government has recently legislated a 43% emissions reduction target for 2030 to drive net zero ambitions for 2050. The government plans for carbon capture and storage (CCS) to play a significant role in achieving this through greenhouse gas storage licence rounds. Rapid screening of Australia’s carbon storage opportunities is necessary to position future acreage release and ultimately identify and mature carbon storage sites. An industry collaboration between Geoscience Australia and SLB has conducted a basin-scale carbon storage assessment project for the Barrow and Dampier sub-basins. The project has built and modernised a subsurface database fit for CCS screening. The dataset was used as the foundation to create a carbon storage opportunity portfolio and storage resource assessment for the area. The project has three major streams: (1) CCS-focussed reprocessing, depth imaging and merging of 29 legacy seismic surveys covering 26,150 km2 – focussed on detailed image resolution for containment analysis. (2) A basin-wide audit of 1620 wells and databasing of available log data, 129 wells were carried through for petrophysical and rock physics analysis relevant to CCS. (3) A portfolio of carbon storage opportunities and associated capacity assessment for the Barrow–Dampier including saline aquifers and depleted fields ranked on storage capacity, reservoir and seal properties and integrity. The results of this study will be released via the National Offshore Petroleum Information Management System as a public resource to expedite CCS implementation for the region. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 16. Oral Presentation for: Accelerating industrial decarbonisation through common user infrastructure
Authors: Lomas Amy , Demilew Dan
Published: June 2024

Presented on Wednesday 22 May: Session 16 Common user infrastructure (CUI) is crucial to accelerating industrial emissions reduction because it can help reduce the cost and complexity of decarbonisation projects, facilitate collaboration between different stakeholders and make projects more bankable, more quickly. This paper will discuss the headline opportunities and current challenges in developing CUI in Western Australia (WA). It will also cite industry examples where CUI has been implemented and highlight transferable learnings relevant to our local context. The paper will be of interest to anyone involved in the energy industry in WA, including investors and legislators. Our oral presentation (with accompanying slide show) will include discussion of: the role of common user infrastructure in decarbonisation, the opportunities for CUI in WA, the current challenges of CUI in WA and learnings from industries/geographies where CUI has been implemented. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 19. Oral Presentation for: Exploring for the Future: new geomechanical data in frontier Australian basins
Authors: Bailey Adam
Published: June 2024

Presented on Wednesday 22 May: Session 19 Led by Geoscience Australia, Exploring for the Future (EFTF) is a A$225 million Australian Government program dedicated to exploring Australia’s resource potential and boosting investment. The EFTF program energy component aimed to attract industry investment by delivering a suite of new precompetitive geoscience data in prospective Australian sedimentary basins. Through EFTF, Geoscience Australia has acquired significant amounts of new geomechanical data from underexplored onshore sedimentary basins with identified hydrocarbon prospectivity, from both legacy and newly acquired samples. These data were acquired to build a better understanding of basin sediment rock properties, particularly looking at the reservoir and seal potential of postulated unconventional and conventional targets. Four major datasets are presented herein, representing prospective intervals from the Paleozoic Canning Basin of Western Australia, the Neoproterozoic-Paleozoic Officer Basin of South Australia and Western Australia, the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic South Nicholson region of the Northern Territory and northwest Queensland, and the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic Birrindudu Basin of the Northern Territory and Western Australia. Additionally, the Paleo-Mesoproterozoic McArthur Basin of the Northern Territory is represented by a small number of analyses. Tests include unconfined compressive strength tests, laboratory ultrasonic measurements, single and multi-stage triaxial tests and Brazilian tensile strength tests. These datasets are a precompetitive resource that can facilitate investment decisions in frontier regions, helping to identify elements of conventional and unconventional hydrocarbon systems as well as providing essential data to assess geological storage opportunities. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 22. Oral Presentation for: Empowering process safety hazard awareness and technical learning in energy operations
Authors: Ledrut Laurence
Published: June 2024

Presented on Wednesday 22 May: Session 22 The Process Safety Management discipline is still misunderstood and deemed complex despite the efforts and progress that have been made over the past decades in the energy industry. This is important as the energy industry turns towards the energy transition and needs to remember the fundamentals of managing process safety risks in emerging technologies. At Origin Energy, leadership, risk management and learning are tightly connected when it comes to ensuring good process safety. In this context, Origin Energy’s Integrated Gas Business Unit has implemented Process Safety Management initiatives over the last 5 years grouped under three Process Safety Management strategic pillars: empowered process safety leadership; open-minded learning culture and best practice process hazard management. The aim of these initiatives was to develop a heightened process safety culture across the business unit. The approach used was to demystify process safety concepts to generate engagement and ownership at all levels. This was supplemented with implementing a companywide Engineering and Technical Community of Practice to enable sharing of technical learning across boundaries and building strong process safety risk awareness foundations supported by a Process Hazard Analysis Revalidation program. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 24. Oral Presentation for: Australia’s Future Energy Resources project: the untapped potential of onshore low carbon energy resources
Authors: Bernecker Thomas
Published: June 2024

Presented on Thursday 23 May: Session 24 The ‘Australia’s Future Energy Resources’ (AFER) project, funded under the Government’s ‘Exploring for the Future’ (EFTF) program has been completed. The project’s four modules have evaluated a mixture of energy resource commodities, including natural gas, hydrogen, subsurface storage opportunities for carbon dioxide and hydrogen. They are complemented by several targeted basin inventories which outline the current geological knowledge of energy resources in underexplored, data-poor regions. Several publicly available data sets have been generated and published under the AFER project, including 3750 line-km of reprocessed 2D seismic data, acquired in the Pedirka and western Eromanga basins, of which key lines have been interpreted and integrated with geological and petrophysical well log data. Relative prospectivity maps have been produced for five energy resource commodities from 14 play intervals to show the qualitative variability in prospectivity of these resources, including quantitative resource assessments where warranted. Results from the AFER project have helped to identify and geologically characterise the required energy resource commodities to accelerate Australia’s path to net zero emissions. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 24. Oral Presentation for: Geomechanical risk assessment of injection test for a carbon storage site appraisal, offshore Northern Territory
Authors: Asadi Sadegh
Published: June 2024

Presented on Thursday 23 May: Session 24 A geomechanical study has been conducted to assess the risk of formation fracturing and sanding during a water injection test. Considering the temperature difference between the storage formation and the injection fluid, the cooling effects could lead to a reduction of almost 15% in fracture initiation pressure (FIP). Notably, the FIP for perforations aligned with the maximum horizontal stress direction are lower than the minimum horizontal stress. While injection pressures surpassing FIP might trigger tensile fracturing in specific perforations, fracture propagation from the wellbore remains unlikely if the injection pressure remains below the field’s minimum horizontal stress. The pressure requirements for current envisaged matrix injection rates fall below the estimated FIPs. Consequently, the risk of formation fracturing during the injection test is deemed low. The propensity of sanding during flowback, considering a range of rock weakening and thermal effects of water injection, is also found to be low. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 24. Oral Presentation for: Challenges and opportunities in Australian greenhouse gas storage legislation: insights from the CarbonNet project
Authors: Mendes Da Costa Victoria
Published: June 2024

Presented on Thursday 23 May: Session 24 Co-funded by the Victorian and Australian Governments, the CarbonNet Project (CarbonNet) was established in 2009 to enable commercial deployment of carbon capture and storage (CCS). The duration and first-of-a-kind nature of the project has also provided an opportunity to test the Australian legislative greenhouse gas (GHG) framework. Although the Commonwealth legislative regime has comprehensive GHG legislation in place, one of the recognised barriers to geological storage in Australia is permitting and regulatory complexity. CarbonNet’s practical application of the legislation has emphasised that regulatory maturity will only be achieved once a number of projects have been permitted through the full project lifecycle. While the project has achieved many regulatory firsts, there have been several policy and regulatory challenges. Successes have come via legislative reform, scientific investigation and collaboration, and stakeholder engagement and communication. This paper provides insights into CarbonNet’s regulatory journey and key learnings in testing first-of-a-kind regulatory processes. It also explores opportunities for improvement in the GHG regulatory framework, while noting the progress of recent legislative reform and government collaboration. The paper concludes with a recognition of the need for the CCS regulatory framework to be straightforward, fit-for-purpose, proportionate, risk-based, and not overly prescriptive or complex. CCS projects may span decades and require significant upfront investment from multiple companies or consortia. Proponents and investors require confidence in the regulatory framework underpinning a project before making these large commitments. Accordingly, there is a key role for both Australian and State governments in providing the enabling legislative and regulatory framework for CCS projects. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 24. Oral Presentation for: Ramsay 1 and Ramsay 2, learnings from the first natural hydrogen exploration wells in Australia
Authors: Whitcombe Josh
Published: June 2024

Presented on Thursday 23 May: Session 24 In October and November 2023, Gold Hydrogen, an ASX listed natural hydrogen explorer, drilled Ramsay 1 and Ramsay 2, the first natural hydrogen exploration wells in Australia. Twinning an historic well, the Ramsay Oil Bore 1 well in PEL687 in South Australia, the objective of the Ramsay 1 and Ramsay 2 wells was to find movable naturally generated hydrogen in the subsurface and establish the presence of a commercially attractive natural hydrogen resource base. This paper highlights some of the learnings from the process of designing and executing these natural hydrogen exploration wells and how the initial hurdles of demonstrating the presence of a hydrogen resource were overcome during the drilling phase. Using modified standard drilling technology and dedicated hydrogen detection tools (calibrated real time mud gas analysis), Gold Hydrogen has shown that exploration for natural hydrogen resources can be done safely and cost effectively. The main learnings included the application of a calibrated hydrogen detection methodology to derive a pseudo hydrogen saturation log and the successful selection of drilling mud and casing compliant with long term hydrogen exposure. As global drilling for natural hydrogen is still in its infancy, these modifications to the exploration well design and execution could have a significant impact on future drilling for this highly attractive carbon free energy source. With a program of seismic data acquisition and follow-up wells planned for 2024, Gold Hydrogen is leading a group of Australian natural hydrogen explorers, who are trying to unlock commercial natural hydrogen resources in the world. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 25. Oral Presentation for: Enhancing maintenance efficiency in energy assets through AI: a case study of maintAI
Authors: Buchan Gordon
Published: June 2024

Presented on Thursday 23 May: Session 25 Energy assets demand periodic regular maintenance to ensure safe, reliable and efficient operations. The dynamic nature of operating conditions and evolving best practices necessitate frequent optimisation of maintenance programs. Traditionally, these programs were labour-intensive and costly to deploy, often yielding unclear outcomes due to subjective decision-making. The advent of artificial intelligence (AI) presents an opportunity to challenge traditional approaches. This paper presents a case study where asset knowledge, data, and AI capabilities are leveraged to streamline maintenance optimisation using our ‘maintAI’ approach. The program addresses maintenance strategy, backlog, spares, and predictive maintenance optimisation with a focus on value creation, data-driven decisions, and consistent recommendations. A systematic methodology employs AI to sift through and eliminate non-value-adding tasks, enabling prioritisation of work and enhancing reliability and productivity throughout the production facility lifecycle. AI, including Natural Language Processing and Generative AI algorithms, enhances the speed and accuracy of failure mode classification from operational maintenance data. Reliability modelling techniques provide insights into equipment reliability. Recommendations undergo expert review before integration into a Computerised Maintenance Management System. Implementation of this data-driven approach demonstrates rapid deployment and sustained efficiency, yielding substantial gains in production uptime, cost reduction, and safety. The user-centric design ensures agility and ease of configuration. A recent project, which took only 6 weeks to deliver, led to a ~28% reduction in maintenance backlog, freeing capacity for critical focus areas. The maintAI approach proves a meaningful change for energy producers, offering a new solution in maintenance optimisation for enhanced reliability and productivity. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 25. Oral Presentation for: Deep bed filtration and formation damage by particles with distributed properties
Authors: Khazali Nastaran
Published: June 2024

Presented on Thursday 23 May: Session 25 Current models for deep bed filtration describe particles with uniform properties. Yet, the sizes, densities, and mineral composition of particles vary significantly in the same injection well. The aim of this work is to provide an effective mathematical model for water injection of particles with distributed properties and formation damage prediction. We average the set of traditional population balance equations for single-property particles and obtain one upscaled equation. The upscaled equation for particle retention rate contains a non-linear function of suspended concentration, which we call the 'suspension function'. We derive analytical solutions for the upscaled equation for linear (coreflood) and radial (well injectivity) flows. Then we treat lab coreflood data to determine the model suspension function and provide a model for well injectivity prediction. The retention profile for the flow of uniform particles has an exponential form. Frequently reported in the literature, hyper-exponential forms have been hypothetically explained by multiple particle properties. The inverse solution allows revealing the individual filtration coefficients for binary mixtures from total breakthrough concentrations during coreflood. Treatment of the data from lab experiments reveals individual filtration coefficients that belong to common intervals. For the first time, deep bed filtration of particles with distributed properties is upscaled and presented using a single equation that reflects the particle property distribution. This equation provides an effective mathematical model for tuning lab coreflood data, determines the model function, and uses it for injectivity decline prediction. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 26. Oral Presentation for: Corporate positioning in Australia for a new investment outlook
Authors: Harwood Andrew
Published: June 2024

Presented on Thursday 23 May: Session 26 Government intervention and increased regulatory scrutiny have altered the investment environment for the energy sector in Australia. Asia’s efforts to decarbonise will drive long-term investment in Australia’s renewable, hydrogen and carbon capture potential. But as the energy sector shifts emphasis back towards security of supply and affordability, Australia remains a key destination for upstream investment. Looking closer at Australia’s oil and gas sector, how are companies positioned to manage the rising complexity and uncertainty faced when making long-term capital decisions? Are Australia’s homegrown players leaders or laggards when pitched against their international peers? And how competitive are Australia’s oil and gas champions in the context of the country’s wider natural resources sector? Benchmarking corporate positioning through the lens of near-term resilience and long-term sustainability, we will identify the challenges, opportunities and strategic implications for Australia’s corporate oil and gas landscape. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 26. Oral Presentation for: Why global decarbonisation requires cross-sector understanding
Authors: Dwyer Jessica
Published: June 2024

Presented on Thursday 23 May: Session 26 The global private sector is exploring and developing decarbonisation pathways for each of the energy sectors – transportation and its many sub-sectors, power, and industry. Each of these sectors and sub-sectors interacts with the others, and these interactions should be understood and considered at a governance level. As an example, rapid decarbonisation of the maritime sector will impact the refining sector, which in turn will have implications on the availability and cost of fuels for the remaining sectors. This paper examines how decarbonisation of one sector affects other sectors, and how our continued medium-term reliance on oil, in particular, introduces complex constraints. Renewable energy, fossil fuels, low-carbon hydrogen and synthetic fuels will need to be balanced and coordinated in such a way that decarbonisation pathway decisions are not made independently by isolated sectors that will hinder or even set back the decarbonisation efforts and options of other sectors. This paper also looks at the supply chain realities of decarbonising certain transportation sectors. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Session 27. Oral Presentation for: Hydrogen and carbon capture utilisation and storage policy for progress on climate change mitigation
Authors: Koller Thomas
Published: June 2024

Presented on Thursday 23 May: Session 27 This paper highlights the need for Australia to enhance its climate change policies, arguing that the introduction of Contracts for Difference (CfD) policy mechanisms is an appropriate successor to Hydrogen Headstart and would support the development of hydrogen and carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) industries. CfDs are financial agreements designed to provide price certainty, support investment, and bridge the cost gap between new and established technologies. With explanation of different CfD structures and examples from other countries the paper argues that implementing CfDs could attract investors, provide confidence to the sector, and ultimately help Australia meet its climate change obligations. To access the Oral Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Business Performance and Governance Visual Presentation B02: Beetaloo’s gas bounty: potential for LNG exports and domestic supply
Authors: Birda Krishan Pal
Published: June 2024

Business Performance and Governance Visual Presentation B02 Recent drilling in the Beetaloo Basin has yielded promising results for the emerging shale gas play, enabling the explorers to secure funding and establish a range of non-binding commercial agreements. Notably, Beetaloo wells have exhibited initial production rates over 30 days (IP30), spanning from 1.1 to 5.2 mmcf/day, and there is an evident trend of increasing frac stages with each new well as operators continuously optimise stimulation. This research paper presents comprehensive Beetaloo modelling results, encompassing well type curves, a comparative analysis with the renowned Marcellus shale play in the United States (frequently used as a reference point for Beetaloo), production forecasts, economic assessments, and an examination of potential commercialisation pathways. Based on our modelling findings, Beetaloo’s estimated ultimate recovery (EUR) per well ranges from 7 to 14 bcf, with deeper wells into the Velkerri B Shale demonstrating relatively higher productivity. We anticipate that, with full-scale development, Beetaloo could attain peak production rates of 1 bcf/day, supported by a peak annual drilling rate averaging 50–60 wells. Overall, the Beetaloo Basin possesses the potential to recover close to 8 tcf of low reservoir CO2 gas, opening doors to the possibility of liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports reaching up to 4.5 mtpa and domestic gas supplies of around 94 mmcf/day, limited to the existing infrastructure capacity connecting to the east coast gas markets. To access the Visual Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Business Performance and Governance Visual Presentation B01: The rising significance of the Perth Basin
Authors: Birda Krishan Pal
Published: June 2024

Business Performance and Governance Visual Presentation B01 Amid a nationwide struggle to revitalise exploration and development activity in the Australian oil and gas industry, the Perth Basin emerges as a beacon of hope. During 2003–2005, the basin experienced a peak in exploration activity, averaging an impressive 13 wells drilled per year. However, mirroring the sector’s broader nationwide trend, the Perth Basin then saw a decline in drilling, with an annual average of just three exploration wells over 2006–2022. Nevertheless, a turnaround is in progress, with the basin poised for the drilling of eight exploration and appraisal wells in 2024. The turning point for the basin can be traced back to the Waitsia discovery in 2014 which rekindled interest and activity in the region, resulting in nine distinct gas discoveries and a subsequent doubling of the basin’s estimated gas resources. Against the backdrop of projected gas shortfalls in Western Australia’s domestic market, players in the basin have ambitious development plans amid rising gas prices. We expect that the Perth Basin could contribute up to 30% of WA’s domestic gas supplies by 2030, compared to a modest 5% in 2023. Notably, a substantial portion of WA’s new gas supplies are expected to originate from the Perth Basin. This paper examines the resurgence of activity and interest in the Perth Basin, driven by surging valuations and its growing significance within the domestic gas market. It also examines the commercialisation pathways in light of the updated ban on onshore gas exports in WA. To access the Visual Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here
Business Performance and Governance Visual Presentation B03: Critical supply chains and Australian maritime training requirements
Authors: Court Peter
Published: June 2024

Business Performance and Governance Visual Presentation B03 The Offshore and Specialist Ships Australia paper has focussed on two of the program themes being: access to the right skills including STEM, with STEM being a critical part of both Deck and Engineer Officer training and improving and securing supply chain connectivity. We see these two items are critical elements for the Maritime requirements of the Offshore sector for Oil and Gas export plus both construction and demobilisation of offshore facilities, pilotage of vessels and the requirement of internal maritime knowledge within organisations. The focus on this document will be twofold: Firstly, the current critical lack of qualified deck and engineer officers and how this can be rectified. The lack of domestic training has recently been identified by both Maritime Industry Australia Ltd and Australian Resources & Energy Employer Association as being at a crisis point. Secondly, the lack of an Australian strategic fleet (including a viable Australian International Shipping Register (AISR)) and the consequent vulnerability of our critical maritime export and import supply chains. We believe that both these theme items are mutually dependent and are in urgent need of the attention of both the wider energy export industry and Federal and State Governments. To access the Visual Presentation click the link on the right. To read the full paper click here