Evaluating the sources and impact of new east coast gas supply

Abstract

Rystad Energy has conducted a well level supply side study for the Australian east coast gas market, quantifying the widely expected supply shortfall and its timing. This paper presents these findings, along with an economic and technical evaluation of new sources of supply relief and their potential impacts on the market balance. The study suggests the east coast has adequate gas supply to meet demand until 2024, with an average excess of 73 billion cubic feet (Bcf) per annum over this period. However, in 2025 the market will shift to under-supply, starting at 93 Bcf in 2025 and increasing to over half a trillion cubic feet by 2030. Sufficient supply in the short term does not warrant complacency. With the average duration between discovery and first gas for the region being 7.1 years since 1990, even if new (traditional) supply is discovered in 2020, the market will still be undersupplied for at least 3 years. We have identified the four most likely sources of supply relief for the market, each with their own merits, difficulties and development timelines. These new sources include the Beetaloo Sub-basin shales of the Northern Territory, undeveloped coal seam gas acreage, electrifying liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities to preserve in-field usage, and finally, LNG importation. A combination of at least two of these sources is required to balance the east coast gas market to 2030. Of the options, LNG importation is the most viable to stave off undersupply in the medium term (3 to 7 years). While Beetaloo Sub-basin shale gas appears the most viable option for secure, long-term supply relief.