Pipeline companies' major plans to supply east coast with Beetaloo gas

Two companies are moving forward with plans to connect the Beetaloo Basin in Australia's Northern Territory to homes and businesses on the east coast. First gas from the resource flowed into the Northern Territory power grid earlier this week, with the state's Chief Minister Lia Finocchiaro stating it could provide more gas than the country will ever know what to do with.

Infrastructure company Jemena has proposed a 400-kilometre pipeline connection from the Beetaloo Basin to the existing Northern Gas Pipeline, which runs from Tennant Creek to Mount Isa. Meanwhile, APA Group has filed plans for a 1,500-kilometre pipeline directly from the Beetaloo Basin to south-west Queensland. Jemena's managing director, David Gillespie, believes the Beetaloo Basin could become a major gas supplier, with the infrastructure being built to support it lasting at least 20 to 30 years.

Gillespie said his company's proposal is critical infrastructure for Australia's energy market, unlocking the resource's potential for energy security and transitioning households, businesses, and key manufacturing sectors. The North to East Australia Pipeline, as proposed by APA Group, requires environmental approval from Queensland, the Northern Territory, and the federal government.

Both Jemena and APA Group believe their projects could be financially viable, and Gillespie stated they are more in concert than in competition as they work to bring gas to market and commercialize the resource.