east coast grid expansion
APA Group is proposing a 25 per cent expansion of gas transportation capacity on the East Coast Grid, which links Queensland to southern markets.
The expansion will be delivered at a capital investment of around $270 million. It will increase winter peak capacity of the East Coast Grid by 25 per cent through additional compression and associated works on both the South West Queensland Pipeline (SWQP) and Moomba Wilton Pipeline (MWP).
The South West Queensland Pipeline and the Moomba Wilton Pipeline are the key pathways for delivery of gas from Queensland and the Northern Territory to southern markets.
The first stage of expansion works have been completed and will increase Wallumbilla to Wilton capacity by 12 per cent. Stage 1 was commissioned ahead of forecast southern state winter supply risks identified in the 2021 AEMO Gas Statement of Opportunities.
The expansion will be delivered in a number of stages:
- Stage 1 - completed: The first stage of expansion works includes the construction of a single site of compression on each of the SWQP and MWP and will increase gas transportation capacity by 12 per cent.
- Stage 2 – under construction: The second stage of expansion works includes the construction of an additional compressor station on each of the SWQP and MWP which will add a further 13 per cent of gas transportation capacity.
- Stage 3 - design: APA is undertaking engineering and design works on the third stage of the project. Stage 3 involves the construction of additional compressor stations on the MWP and Culcairn to Wagga Pipeline to further increase gas transportation capacity.
APA Group delivers around half of Australia’s gas usage and connects Victoria with South Australia, and New South Wales with Queensland through our investments in energy transmission assets.
Most of the expansion works will occur on APA owned sites, which have existing infrastructure.
The proposed East Coast Grid Expansion Project presents an optimal opportunity to maximise gas supply via existing infrastructure with minimal environmental and social impact.
The East Coast Grid Expansion Project is committed to maximising business supply and employment opportunities in the local regions around each proposed compressor station where possible. Each project site will require a peak construction workforce of around 80 people over the approximate 9-month construction timeframe.
1. Project timing
Construction of Stage 1 of the East Coast Grid Expansion Project was completed in early-2023. Commissioning of Stage 1 is completed and the sites are now operational.
Stage 2 construction commenced early Q2 2023. The construction of each compressor station is targeted to take approximately nine months with an additional 3 months for commissioning activities.
Stage 3 will be progressed in two phases – Stage 3a and Stage 3b. Upfront engineering and design as well as planning approvals have commenced for Stage 3a.
2. Project location
3. Project approvals
APA is committed to consulting and working closely with local communities on the East Coast Grid Expansion Project. During the approvals phase of the project, APA has provided project information and gathered feedback through engagement of key stakeholders, including First Nations groups, landholders, local business, community groups, and federal, state and local governments.
APA has received all required local, State and Federal approvals for Stages 1 and 2 in both Queensland and New South Wales. The process for obtaining the approvals for Stage 3 of the project has commenced.
Landscape at one of the project sites in New South Wales.
4. Community Grants Program
APA Group is committed to positively contributing to communities in the local and regional areas of the East Coast Grid Expansion project. As part of the commitment, APA have established a Community Grants Program to benefit local communities.
Community groups and organisations located in the regions of the project area are encouraged to apply for funding or in-kind support through the fund.
For further information click here.
5. Further information
Read the East Coast Grid Expansion Project Information Sheet and refer to APA's original announcement of the project.
6. Connect with us
For further information on the East Coast Grid Expansion project, call 1800 856 001 (8am to 5pm AEST, Monday to Friday) or email [email protected]