Energy News Brief
Summary
A new natural gas discovery has been made off Victoria’s coast, the first in four years. While Victoria currently produces more gas than it uses, experts predict potential shortfalls by 2029 due to depleting reserves in the Bass Strait. This situation, combined with the influence of international markets on local prices, means gas prices for Victorians remain high despite falling local demand.
Key Points
- New Gas Discovery: ConocoPhillips discovered new natural gas deposits near Port Campbell. Further assessment is needed to determine commercial viability.
- Gas Supply & Demand: Victoria is Australia’s most gas-reliant state for households, but its overall gas demand has been steadily declining.
- Looming Shortfall: The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) predicts a gas shortfall for Victoria by 2029, as major reserves in the Bass Strait deplete.
- Price Paradox: Despite high local production and low demand, prices are high because Victoria’s gas is part of a national pool, and local prices are influenced by higher international export prices.
- Government Actions: The state government is banning new residential gas connections and has approved a gas import terminal to secure future supply.
能源新闻简报
总结
在维多利亚州海岸附近发现了四年来的首个新天然气田。尽管维州目前的天然气产量超过其使用量，但由于巴斯海峡储量枯竭，专家预测到2029年可能出现供应短缺。这种情况，加上国际市场对本地价格的影响，意味着尽管当地需求下降，维州居民的天然气价格仍然居高不下。
关键点
- 新天然气发现：康菲石油公司在坎贝尔港附近发现了新的天然气储量。需要进一步评估以确定其商业可行性。
- 天然气供应与需求：维多利亚州是澳大利亚家庭最依赖天然气的州，但其总体天然气需求一直在稳步下降。
- 迫在眉睫的短缺：澳大利亚能源市场运营商预测，由于巴斯海峡的主要储量枯竭，维州到2029年将面临天然气短缺。
- 价格悖论：尽管本地产量高且需求低，但价格仍然很高，因为维州的天然气是国家资源池的一部分，本地价格受到更高的国际出口价格影响。
- 政府行动：州政府正在逐步禁止新的住宅天然气连接，并已批准一个天然气进口终端以保障未来供应。
Original Article Link: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2025-11-19/victorias-gas-supply-and-shortage-explained/105999652