Media Release: Net zero role of gas sets agenda of APPEA 2023 Conference & Exhibition

The APPEA 2023 Conference & Exhibition has opened in Adelaide, with more than 2000 attendees gathering for the biggest oil and gas conference in the Southern Hemisphere to chart how the industry is driving the energy transformation to net zero.

With the theme ‘Lead, shape, innovate – accelerating to net zero’, the Conference program is focused on net zero technologies such as carbon capture, utilisation and storage (CCUS) and low-carbon hydrogen, and how the industry is central to a future energy system with lower emissions.

With principal partners Woodside Energy and ExxonMobil Australia, the next three days at Adelaide Convention Centre will feature energy industry leaders from Australia and around the world alongside more than 120 exhibitors showcasing the ground-breaking technology transforming the sector.

APPEA Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch during the opening session today.

Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association Chief Executive Samantha McCulloch said: “This event demonstrates how the gas industry is at the centre of enabling emissions reductions in a cleaner energy future.

“Natural gas is important because it is backing up renewables in electricity, supporting major industries such as manufacturing and being used to create everyday products. The industry’s expertise is also critical in rolling out CCUS and kick-starting low-carbon hydrogen.

“And while we’re delivering energy security and emissions reductions, we will be among the biggest taxpayers in Australia, delivering over $16 billion to governments this year to help build schools, roads and hospitals.”

The conference program features APPEA Chair and Woodside Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Meg O’Neill, Santos Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director Kevin Gallagher and Shell Australia EVP Integrated Gas Australia and Country Chair Tony Nunan alongside global experts including Columbia Center on Global Energy Policy Prof Jason Bordoff.

The lead address is to be given by Former Governor, Reserve Bank of Australia Glenn R Stevens AC.

In the Technical and Business Program, industry experts will examine challenges and opportunities facing the sector, from net zero pathways and health and safety to last winter’s east coast energy system crisis.

APPEA South Australia Director David Slama said the host state had long been central to Australia’s energy needs but also understood the future challenges.

“South Australia is such a perfect place to hold an event with a great oil and gas history going back decades while looking towards a future of lower emissions on the path to net zero,” he said.

“The state is embracing the cleaner energy future and the proof is in its own energy system.

“They have the building blocks of net zero already present – renewables partnering with gas in electricity generation, progressing low-carbon hydrogen production and building major emissions reduction projects like Santos and Beach Energy’s Moomba CCS project.”

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