Gas, hydrogen at centre of Queensland’s resources development plan

Silhouette of gas plant and worker (strike hancock)
Gas plant (Image: Shutterstock)

New gas infrastructure and diversification into hydrogen are among the energy opportunities identified in Queensland’s draft 30-year vision for the state’s resources industry. 

Resources Minister Scott Stewart said the gas industry had the potential to secure the state’s energy future for decades to come. 

“Queensland’s gas industry is already supporting greater renewable energy generation through accelerating grid reliability and security,” Stewart said.   

“Emerging industries including hydrogen, biogas and biomethane present an incredible opportunity for new markets and job opportunities for the gas sector.

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“The resources industry continues to be a key part of our economic recovery from COVID-19 and will be into the future too.

“By leveraging the gas industry’s current expertise in upstream and downstream gas and LNG production, Queensland can capitalise on the growing local and global demand for lower emissions gases.”

“Our proposed review of the Petroleum and Gas Act could enable the development of hydrogen and these other resources.”

The draft Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan outlines the Queensland Government’s 30-year vision for the resources industry, opportunities for industry growth and diversification, the industry’s lead role in Queensland’s economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The draft plan has 43 actions that address six key focus areas:

  • growing and diversifying the industry
  • strengthening ESG credentials and protecting the environment
  • fostering coexistence and sustainable communities
  • ensuring strong and genuine First Nations partnerships
  • building a safe and resilient workforce and
  • improving regulatory efficiency.

Stewart said the jointly funded $10 million Bowen Basin pipeline study demonstrated the Queensland Government’s commitment to expanding the sector.  

“Our state’s gas industry is essential to securing jobs for Queenslanders—with the positive flow-on effects of the industry felt in the energy and manufacturing sectors,” he said. 

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“However, developing new sources of gas supply to meet domestic and international needs is a challenge as existing gas reserves decline.

“Through our jointly funded $10 million Bowen Basin pipeline study with the federal government, we are investigating a new gas pipeline from the Bowen Basin to the east coast gas market. 

“This is just one example of how the government is helping the resources sector reduce emissions while securing the state’s economic future.”

The Queensland Resources Industry Development Plan is open for consultation until February 2022 with the final plan due for release in mid-2022.

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