News Room

Darwin: A Future Gas Hub

[ 17/03/2008 ]

Chief Minister Paul Henderson has pushed Darwin as a future gas hub during talks with some of Japan’s most important energy industry leaders – as his trade mission moved to Tokyo.
 
“We’ve got the runs on the board with gas – we’ve attracted one LNG plant and we’re working hard to attract another,” Mr Henderson said.
 
“Energy leaders in Japan are looking for certainty – and Darwin can provide that.
 
“We provide access to a modern deepwater port, an international airport, direct links to the National highway and rail networks, and we have the attributes of a modern city.”
 
The Chief Minister met with the Senior-Vice Minister of Japan’s Ministry of Economy Trade and Industry (METI), Masashi Nakano in Tokyo.
 
METI is the major shareholder in INPEX which recently signed a project facilitation agreement with the NT Government for the possible development of the Ichthys gas field.
 
“METI is responsible for ensuring energy security for Japan and is also an important player in Inpex, and I want to get our message through loud and clear about the advantages of Darwin.
 
“Western Australia is obviously the favourite to secure the Ichthys project – but the signing of the agreement has put us in the race – and I’m working hard to argue our case.”
 
Chief Minister Henderson also held high level talks with two of Japan’s biggest energy utilities – Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and Tokyo Gas.
 
TEPCO is a major consumer of LPG internationally, a minority shareholder in Darwin LNG and Bayu-Undan – and the main customer of Darwin LNG.
 
Tokyo Gas has nearly nine million customers and is also a minority shareholder in Darwin LNG and Bayu-Undan – and a customer of Darwin LNG.