Gas pipeline could reduce Bowen basin coal mine emissions: Study
A gas pipeline in Queensland’s Bowen basin could future-proof gas supply, reduce emissions and help create jobs, a new study has found.
The state’s resources minister Scott Stewart on January 6 released the Bowen Basin Pipeline concept study, which found opening the basin to gas development could bring environmental and economic benefits for Queensland.
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“The answer to domestic gas shortages and supporting our manufacturers is more gas production here in Queensland,” Stewart said. “Developing the Bowen basin could do this, while also making a valuable addition to our transition to a low carbon economy.”
Member for Mackay Julieanne Gilbert said the resources industry was a key part of the region’s economy.
“The resources industry has long been a traditional strength of Mackay and Central Queensland’s economy and this is just another potential opportunity to create jobs in the region,” she said. “This project has the potential to help drive the Palaszczuk government’s Economic Recovery Plan by providing jobs and opportunities for Queenslanders, particularly in our regions.”
The concept study investigated potential pipeline pathways and optimisation of the Bowen basin’s gas reserves to support the east coast gas market for export and domestic use.
The study also investigated opportunities to capture fugitive emissions from underground and open-cut coal mines in the Bowen basin to assist in Queensland’s efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
Stewart said the project could make meaningful progress towards the government’s target of a 30% reduction in emissions by 2030 and zero net emissions by 2050.
The minister said the Palaszczuk government continued to ensure Queensland is doing the heavy lifting on gas supply and policy.
“Since 2015 the Palaszczuk government has released more than 80,000 km2 of land for gas exploration, over a quarter of it guaranteeing the gas will be for Australian consumers,” he said.
“In a national first, we released land nearly three years ago exclusively for gas for the domestic market to boost essential supply to the east coast market, particularly our manufacturers.”