APA Group welcomes focus on energy infrastructure

Leading Australian energy infrastructure business, APA Group, today welcomes the release of the Australian Government's interim National Gas Infrastructure Plan (NGIP).

Chief Executive and Managing Director Rob Wheals said APA was committed to working with the government on the implementation of the interim plan and the development of the first full NGIP, to ensure the energy sector delivers additional energy security ahead of forecast supply risks.

'The NGIP reinforces the critical role that natural gas will continue to play as the energy sector transitions, delivering energy security, firming and high heat capability for the industrial sector,' Mr Wheals said.

'As a leading Australian energy infrastructure provider, APA Group, looks forward to working with government on the implementation of the interim NGIP, consistent with our purpose to strengthen communities through responsible energy.

'Earlier this week, we announced a final investment decision for a $270 million expansion of the East Coast Grid, which will deliver an additional 25 per cent capacity to the grid. Work will be completed over two stages, with the first stage of works targeted for commissioning ahead of forecast southern state winter supply risks.

'The $270 million expansion demonstrates the importance of market solutions and the competitiveness of APA's East Coast Grid and the critical role it plays in delivering for our customers and the economy through cost effective, safe and reliable transportation of Australian domestic gas.

'APA is also continuing engineering and design works on a potential third stage expansion of the East Coast Grid to add a further 25 per cent capacity in the future, which would provide a further boost to energy security.'

APA has also finalised a significant new East Coast Grid gas transportation agreement with Origin Energy to commence on 1 January 2023.

Under this agreement Origin could meet over half of NSW's winter demand.

'APA is continuing to work with customers to help bring new gas supply to the southern markets to provide additional energy security,' Mr Wheals said.

'Consistent with our strategy and our vision to be world class in energy solutions, we also continue to investigate and assess opportunities to invest in contracted and regulated energy infrastructure, including renewable generation and firming, and next generation energy technologies, to support the energy transition.'

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