On target for pipeline planning

QUEENSLAND-based coal seam gas company Arrow Energy has announced plans for a major pipeline to connect its operations in the Bowen Basin in Central Queensland, to a liquefied natural gas (LNG) facility at Curtis Island, off Gladstone. Early details of the Arrow Bowen Pipeline (ABP) are contained in an Initial Advice Statement (IAS) which has been submitted to the Queensland Government.

Arrow Energy CEO Andrew Faulkner said the pipeline was part of the Arrow LNG Project which would bring CSG from both the Bowen Basin and the Surat Basin in the state's south-east to Gladstone where it would be cooled and liquefied for shipping to international markets.

“The IAS outlines a preferred route based on minimising impacts on the environment, on land holder activities and on communities in the area. It also refers to the expected economic benefits to Queensland from a major project of this size.

“Importantly we have already begun discussions with the majority of landholders along the preferred pipeline route to better understand their needs and to work together on finalising the route. We will also be discussing the pipeline with the coal companies along the route in the Bowen Basin.”

Mr Faulkner said the company would now begin more detailed environmental, social and economic impact studies.

Arrow Energy currently supplies about 20% of Queensland's domestic gas market. In August 2010 the company also announced plans for a multi-billion dollar CSG to LNG project in Queensland, connecting its producing fields in both the Bowen and Surat basins to an initial two-train liquefaction plant at Gladstone.