Australia

In Australia natural gas consumption has grown very strongly, from a zero base in 1970 to approximately 600 PJ per annum. The Australian Bureau of Agricultural and Resource Economics [ABARE]1; the National Institute of Economic and Industry Research [NIEIR]2 and the Australia Gas Association [AGA]3 forecast natural gas consumption to continue to be the fastest growing source of primary energy in Australia. Key drivers for the growth in the gas market in Australia is the increased availability of gas connections for both residential and smaller commercial customers and large industrial contracts, together with and (perhaps more importantly) co-generation electrical demand. This market growth has been facilitated by deregulation of the gas market in Australia, competitive pricing and via a focus on greenhouse friendly alternatives to coal fired power generation. Federal Government legislation allowing full access to existing gas pipelines and infrastructure has ensured a perceived fair competition for new players in the gas market.