Overview

With the energy demand continuing to grow both domestically and globally, Australia is beginning to shift its oil and gas focus to unconventional resource exploration, such as the highly touted Beetaloo Basin in the Northern Territory. As with most new resource developments, it comes with scrutiny and concerns. In this case, particularly around hydraulic fracturing and ground water projection.

Hydraulic fracturing, is a safe and proven technology that has been developed and continuously improved upon since the 1940’s, but yet is still viewed high risk activity. The presentation will demonstrate the engineering controls and methodologies implemented in well design/construction and hydraulic fracturing to ensure safeguard of groundwater and surface resources. It will provide insight into the various levels of barrier controls set forth by operating companies and regulatory bodies.

Australia has emerged as having one of the most highly effective regulated oil and gas industries globally. As operators and regulators continue to maintain a substantial focus on well integrity and environmental impacts, the industry is well positioned to enable sustainable developments of Australia’s world class shale assets.

This event will also be available to view online, please secure your registration with a online ticket.

Speaker

Edward Wong, Origin Energy

Edward Wong is the Drilling and Completions Project Manager for Origin Energy responsible for the current shale exploration activities in Australia’s Beetaloo and Cooper/Eromanga Basins. He is a leading technical expert in the industry with a primary focus on petroleum well construction and hydraulic fracturing to provide clean low cost energy source to the Australian market.

Edward is a Professional Engineer (PEng) and holds a B.A.Sc in Geological Engineering from the University of British Columbia (Canada). He has worked on several international oil and gas projects including the exploration and appraisal work in the Hornriver and Duvernay Shale basins in Canada prior to now focusing on the emerging shale plays in Australia.

The material presented has not been peer-reviewed. Any opinions are the presenters' own and do not necessarily represent those of IChemE or the Queensland Member Group. The information is given in good faith but without any liability on the part of IChemE.