Beach Energy, Bridgeport Energy Get Offshore Exploration Blocks in Victoria, Australia

Monday, July 13, 2020

Beach Energy and Bridgeport Energy have been awarded permits to explore for gas in Victoria, Australia, state waters near Portland and Port Campbell.

"As Victorians turn up their gas heaters during the winter chill, the search for new gas off the state’s south west coast will be stepping up with the awarding of two new gas exploration permits," Ministry for Resources said Monday.

If initial exploration is successful, up to $85 million could flow into the economy, contributing to further investment in the region and new local jobs. The benefits will be magnified if the new exploration leads to additional gas supply, the statement reads.

"Exploration involves geological studies to search for offshore gas deposits, including a range of desktop and field activities which are subject to strict environmental controls. These offshore gas resources can be accessed from onshore without any disturbance of the marine environment," the ministry's said in a statement.

Beach Energy and Bridgeport Energy are also required to work closely with the commercial fishing industry, local communities, and government bodies along the south-west coast as they conduct their exploration programs.

"The new permits are on the doorstep of an existing offshore gas industry including Beach Energy’s existing Halladale-Speculant facility and their highly promising Enterprise exploration project. The area also hosts Lochard Energy’s Iona Gas Plant, which is integral to ensure consistent and reliable supply during the colder months," the ministry said.

The ministry said that the new exploration permits are further good news for local jobs and investment in the south-west following the recent confirmation of the restart of the onshore conventional gas industry in 2021.

The Victorian Gas Program has recently identified potentially significant onshore conventional gas resources particularly in the Otway Basin. Onshore unconventional gas including fracking is permanently banned in Victoria.

The plan is for any new gas found to prioritized for domestic use, boosting the state’s energy supply and security.

Minister for Resources Jaclyn Symes said:"We’re encouraging safe and sensible gas exploration that brings jobs and investment to our regions as well as additional supply for homes and businesses to keep the lights on and their houses warm. This industry interest backs the extensive geoscience of the Victorian Gas Program, showing there’s a good chance of boosting local gas supply while maintaining protection of our precious natural environment.”

Categories: Exploration Australia/NZ

Related Stories

Japanese Oil and Gas Firm Enters Two Blocks off Malaysia

Yinson Production, “K” LINE Target Europe's CCS with FSIU and LCO2 Solutions

Woodside Agrees Long-Term LNG Supply with Petronas Unit

MODEC and Terra Drone Renew FPSO Drone Inspection Partnership

Yinson Production Closes $1B Investment to Drive Further Growth

Chuditch Gas Field Drilling Ops Get Delayed to Next Year

Fugro Expands Geotechnical Testing Capabilities in Indonesia

CNOOC Starts Production at Offshore Field in South China Sea

Scarborough FPU's Topsides and Hull Come Together in Major Engineering Feat (Video)

Woodside Inks Long-Term LNG Supply Deal with China Resources

Current News

One Shelf Drilling Rig Up for New Job in India, Other for Disposal

Four Jack-Up Drilling Rig Deals Set to Bring In $129M for Borr Drilling

PTTEP Hires Velesto’s Jack-Up Rig for Drilling Campaign off Malaysia

Yinson Production Secures $1.17B Refinancing for FPSO Maria Quitéria

Centrica and Thailand’s PTT Ink Long-Term LNG Supply Deal

Petrovietnam, Partners Sign PSC for Block Off Vietnam

Japan Protests China’s New Oil and Gas Construction Activities in East China Sea

CNOOC Signs Hydrocarbons Exploration and Production Deal with Kazakhstan

Thailand's PTT to Buy LNG from Glenfarne's Alaska LNG Project

Woodside and Jera Agree LNG Cargoes Supply for Japan’s Winter Period

Subscribe for AOG Digital E‑News

AOG Digital E-News is the subsea industry's largest circulation and most authoritative ENews Service, delivered to your Email three times per week

https://accounts.newwavemedia.com