Perth has today won the right to host LNG 18 - the world's biggest and most prestigious LNG conference. Welcoming the announcement, the Minister for Resources and Energy and the Minister for Tourism, Martin Ferguson AM MP, said this recognised Australia's position as an emerging LNG powerhouse.
LNG 18, to be held in 2016, is expected to attract over 4,000 participants from over 70 countries including energy ministers, executive officers of global oil and gas companies, academics, journalists and over 200 exhibiting companies.
"Australia is one of the world's largest and most innovative LNG producers," Minister Ferguson said.
"Our LNG industry is growing and Australia is at the forefront of new technologies and gas sources such as floating LNG and coal seam gas production, which are attracting global interest.
"Right across Australia we are seeing companies making huge investments in LNG production capacity, from the $43 billion Gorgon and $13 billion Pluto projects in Western Australia, the recent US$15 billion final investment decision by BG Group for their coal seam gas to LNG operations in Queensland and other projects still in planning including the giant Ichthys and Wheatstone LNG projects.
"The recent environmental approval for Shell's Prelude Floating LNG project also brings us one step closer to being the first country in the world where this innovative technology is employed.
"Hosting this conference is a tangible sign of Australia's increasing international importance as an LNG producer. It will also provide an important boost for Perth - as Minister for Tourism I can say that there's no better place to explore current trends, new projects and new markets. Perth is a world-class city for conferences and the exchange of ideas.
"I congratulate everyone involved in the Perth bid, especially the Australian Gas Industry Trust and the Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association who are acting on behalf of the industry as a whole."
The conference is held every three years with global LNG industry and government leaders meeting to discuss technical, commercial and economic issues relating to the LNG industry. The conference was last awarded to Australia in 1998, for LNG-12 also held in Perth.
In 2008-09, Australia exported 15.4 million tonnes of LNG worth $10.1 billion and our exports are expected to reach 17.9 million tonnes in 2009-10. In 2009 Australia was the world's fourth largest exporter or LNG and this ranking could increase to second by 2015.
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