Pipelines
Pipeline operators have invested extensively in natural gas transmission pipelines in Western Australia. This is because WA’s gas fields are so distant from major domestic gas customers in the South West.
Major pipelines
There are four major natural gas transmission pipelines supplying the WA gas market:
- Dampier to Bunbury Natural Gas Pipeline – transports gas from the North West Shelf area to customers in the Geraldton, Perth, Mandurah and Bunbury areas
- Goldfields Gas Pipeline – transports gas from the North West Shelf to customers in the Pilbara and Eastern Goldfields regions
- Parmelia Pipeline – transports gas from various fields in the Perth Basin to customers in the South West
- Pilbara Energy Pipeline – transports gas from the North West Shelf area to Port Hedland
Other major transmission pipelines include the Kambalda to Esperance Gas Pipeline, the Mid West Pipeline and the Telfer Gas Pipeline.
For information on the location and average installed capacities of WA’s natural gas transmission pipelines refer to the Energy Resources and Infrastructure Map.
Regulation and licensing
In WA, the Department of Mines and Petroleum licenses major gas transmission pipelines (pipeline systems operated at a pressure of 1.9 megapascals and above). It maintains a register with details on licensed petroleum pipeline operators in WA, the Petroleum and Geothermal Register.
The Economic Regulation Authority (ERA) regulates third party access to regulated or ‘covered’ gas transmission pipelines in WA, in accordance with the National Gas Law. The ERA website provides further details on gas access arrangements, including a list of pipelines covered under the National Gas Law.