Over the three days, approximately 400 attendees visited the event to enjoy the exhibition and the broad speaker program, where delegates heard presentations ranging from the commercial to the technical, as well as project and operational updates.
Gas on the agenda
Queensland Minister for Infrastructure and Planning Stirling Hinchliffe officially opened the conference sessions on Wednesday morning by highlighting the state’s potential for natural gas development. Mr Hinchliffe emphasised the State Government’s support for proposed LNG projects, saying Queenslanders can look forward to “reaping the benefits of increases to gross state product, around the $A3 billion mark when the industry reaches its peak.
“We’ve consulted with industry and endeavour to get the policy settings right – ahead of the proponents’ final investment decisions.”
Transmission came into focus in the afternoon as Jemena’s Phil Colvin and Epic Energy’s Stephen Mudge provided updates on respective gas pipeline projects. Ross Gersbach from APA Group and the Australian Pipeline Industry Association’s Steve Davies considered the challenges and opportunities facing the gas transmission industry.
On Thursday, MWM Energy Sales Manager Simon Helps looked at the environmental issues associated with power generation, and how these can be alleviated by using cogeneration and trigeneration. Energy Conservation Systems’ Chris Flanagan later discussed applications for gas cooling systems.
Freehills’ Renee Garner looked at the proposed carbon pollution reduction scheme, and ways for gas companies to manage the risks involved with its implementation using contracts.
Focus shifted to natural gas for the domestic market as Jemena’s Peter Harcus gave an update on the “Natural Gas. The Natural Choice” campaign, which aims to reduce carbon emissions and promote the benefits of natural gas use to consumers in New South Wales.
Gas products on show
Companies such as PPI Corporation, Tremco Pipeline Equipment and Vermeer Sales and Services were among the 24 booths in the trade exhibition, which showcased the latest products, services and technology for the gas industry.
As well as delegates, more than 150 trade visitors ensured the exhibition was always buzzing. People took the opportunity in session breaks to peruse the stands and explore the latest products and technology.
Networking opportunities
The exhibition kicked of on Tuesday night with Opening Cocktails. Wednesday evening brought the Gala Dinner. Guests enjoyed a drink in the foyer before taking their seats, where they overlooked the city of Brisbane.
See you next year
Growing from the success of the inaugural conference in 2009, the 2010 FutureGAS Conference and Exhibition proved a chance for members of the industry to gather, reunite with old friends and make new contacts.
Event organisers Great Southern Press suggest you keep an eye on FutureGAS 2011, to be held in Brisbane in
March, as it is set to be even bigger:
www.futuregas.com.au