For information on Western Australia's main industries
Oil & Gas in WA
Gas in Western Australia
Offshore NW shelf gas was discovered in 1971 and in 1979 the Federal an WA government signed an agreement to allow for the production and export of the gas.
In 1980 contracts were signed with the government gas agency SECWA to supply gas to the domestic market so underpinning the project. Export began in 1989.
Australia produces 9 per cent of the world production of LNG gas of 82 million tonnes. By year 2005, Western Australia could be producing one-quarter. World wide there are 8 producers of LNG which is the fastest growing energy sector. Since 1990 growth has averaged 6.7 per cent. Studies suggest a growth to 160 million tonnes by 2010.
Gas is estimated to represent 23 per cent of world energy supplies anticipated to grow to 29 per cent by 2020 (oil anticipated to remain at 40 per cent, coal falling from 26 to 24 per cent)
Gas sources in Australia are North West Shelf, Northern Australia, Timor Sea, Gorgon fields and Browse Basis with reserves of 100 trillion cubic feet. (1 tcf equals 19.4 million tonnes of gas or 1 petajoule). The north west shelf alone has reserves of 40 tcf more than enough to maintain current production for 30 years. Scott Reef/Breakneck at 21 tcf, Greater Gorgon at 28tcf plus the nearby Chrysaor field.
Mining in WA
