Oz AGN Gets Okay for Pipe Network Extension

Australian Gas Networks (AGN) has received approval from the Australian Energy Regulator to a proposed extension of its South Australian natural gas network to Mount Barker, it said December 20. 

The regulatory approval granted this week is for a new 40km, A$33mn (US$23.4mn) natural gas pipeline extending the existing natural gas network from Murray Bridge, through Monarto South and Kanmantoo, to the Mount Barker region.

AGN CEO, Andrew Staniford, said that the company board “will now be able to make its final investment decision, which, if granted, will kick off the construction of the gas pipeline late in 2019, with works continuing over the following years.”

“We will ensure that the pipeline is ‘future proof’ and can carry renewable hydrogen in the future to allow a journey to zero emissions gas,” he said.

“This proposal would be our biggest single pipeline investment in South Australia in decades and will enable homes and businesses in the Mount Barker region to connect directly to the natural gas network,” he added.

AGN currently supplies natural gas to approximately 450,000 customers in South Australia through a distribution network of over 8,000 km. It provides gas to around 1.3mn customers nationally.