Why the wait? Shale gas exploration review and look ahead

Despite unconventional targets being recognised across many Australian sedimentary basins and the Energy Information Administration (EIA), estimating a technically recoverable shale gas resource of >400 tcf in Australia, there have been no definitive tests that prove that any of these potential plays will flow gas at commercial rates. There has, however, been a number of technical successes reported from both shale gas and basin centred gas plays. This extended abstract reviews select plays from both frontier and mature basins across Australia, including basins where Origin is actively exploring or appraising unconventional gas plays—the Perth, Cooper and Beetaloo basins. The technical challenges vary from play to play, but many of the above ground challenges are not play specific. To advance the industry, Origin and other companies will have to demonstrate a resource sufficiency that is economic in a high cost environment like Australia, while maintaining a positive relationship with communities. In its expansion into the NT, through its interest in the Beetaloo Basin, Origin has the benefit of 20 years' experience dealing with complex stakeholders and environmental challenges through its CSG development projects in Queensland. This experience is invaluable in advising best practices for engaging with local communities, landholders, traditional owners, and regulatory and government bodies. For the technically-minded asset development teams charged with exploring unconventional plays in frontier basins, where stakeholders are unfamiliar with oil and gas development projects, new skills are required that need deep organisational support.