For more than a decade, the UQ Centre for Natural Gas has been recognised as a leading voice of independent scientific research into all aspects of Australia’s onshore gas industry.
As the natural gas sector developed in Australia in the mid 2000s, The University of Queensland saw the need for a coordinated access point to address industry, government and community challenges. The UQ Centre for Natural Gas (formerly the Centre for Coal Seam Gas) was established to deliver real-world research for these stakeholders and to support the development of highly skilled graduates.
The UQ Centre for Natural Gas is funded through a membership model, which ensures the Centre continues to undertake relevant, practical research. Members contribute a minimum of $500,000 for five years to fund core activities. Currently, Members fund approximately 42 per cent of the Centre’s research and educational activities, with remaining funds coming from other industry (16%), UQ (21%) and government (20%).
Investigators conduct real-world projects focussed on optimising Australia’s natural gas sector in terms of environmental performance, social performance, and cost and operational optimisation (which in turns affect both availability and market price). The Centre for Natural Gas works closely with industry on the delivery of research, to ensure projects that are ‘fit-for-purpose’ and have direct application.
The Centre also provides independent advice to state and federal governments on social, regulatory and environmental impacts of the gas sector. We are regular contributors to policy debate, and an active participant in community seminars and meetings.
The Centre draws on the extensive research and educational capabilities within The University of Queensland, with more than 100 researchers from across UQ undertaking research through the UQ CNG. In addition to academic partners across Australia (e.g. University of Newcastle), researchers work internationally with collaborators from the University of Waikato, NZ; University of Alberta, Canada; and the University of British Columbia, Canada.
Investment has benefitted more than 100 PhD and Masters students who have contributed to research projects in the Centre and who now work in technical and social roles in energy companies globally.