Each year around 95,000 new consumers choose to connect to gas. Transmission Australia's natural gas supplies and reserves are linked to major markets by more than 17,000 km of high pressure transmission pipelines. New long distance pipelines, building towards a national grid system are being developed across the country. Exploration and production of natural gas in Australia is undertaken by companies including, BHP Petroleum, BP Developments Australia, Chevron, Energy Equity Corporation, Esso Australia, OMV Australia, Mobil, Santos, Shell and Woodside. Total Australian natural gas production exceeds 1200 PJ per annum, including 422 PJ for LNG exports.
Gas is located underground in porous sandstone reservoirs.
Most gas fields in Australia have been discovered as a result of the search for oil. However, with continuing growth in gas use, specific natural gas exploration is now expanding. Exports Australia's largest single resource development is the massive North West Shelf project near Karratha in Western Australia. In addition, there are exports of Australian designed and produced gas appliances - such as hot water systems, gas meters and barbecues. Gas distribution companies also export technical and engineering services.