The Queensland Government is set to release more than 19,000km² for gas exploration under its new annual exploration programme.
Through the programme, the government will call for tenders regarding acreages for petroleum and gas exploration in the Surat, Bowen, Eromanga and Adavale Basins in the current quarter.
According to the government, the programme enables resource companies to plan their exploration strategy.
Queensland Minister for Natural Resources and Mines Dr Anthony Lynham said: “Knowing what’s under the ground through exploration gives Queensland a front row seat in delivering the next generation of projects, and the energy needs for the future.
“With almost 18,000km² petroleum and gas exploration, this is good news for the local manufacturing and electricity consumers as more gas supply means, downward pressure on energy prices.
“The solution to gas shortages is more gas and Queensland continues to do the heavy lifting on supply and policy initiatives, like our pilot of land for the domestic market only.”
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By GlobalDataIt is said that the blocks up for exploration are greenfield sites.
In January this year, the government unveiled plans to release land for gas exploration in the Surat Basin.
Under the plan, companies producing gas from the acreages allotted were required to sell it in the domestic market.
Australia is projected to experience gas shortage starting next year.
In order to address the demand-supply gap and cover the shortfall, the Australian Government reached agreements with gas producers Santos, Origin and Shell last month.