Premier of Western Australia, Mark McGowan, has praised industry partners and The University of Western Australia (UWA) for a joint research laboratory that will position Western Australia as a global energy hub leader, stimulating the economy and creating jobs.

The Premier announced the opening of the Centre for Long Subsea Tiebacks laboratory located at UWA, while attending the Resources Technology Showcase on Wednesday 27 November 2019.

The centre will focus on ground-breaking long subsea ‘tieback’ discoveries that will enhance the industry’s understanding of hostile deep-sea conditions.

Subsea tiebacks are a ‘connection’ between a new oil and gas discovery with an existing production facility.

The development of new long subsea tieback technology helps to unlock the economic viability of WA gas fields that have not yet been commercialised due to their location.

The centre is a key focus area for the WA Government’s LNG Jobs Taskforce and is jointly funded by major industry players Chevron and Woodside with approximately AU$600,000 per annum.

The new centre will provide leading research and technology in one place. It will be highly integrated into industry and working on real-world challenges and solutions for the LNG sector.

Image courtesy of UWA.

In commenting on the news, Mr McGowan said bringing more oil and gas projects online in WA means more jobs for Western Australians.

“The new centre at UWA will unlock the technology to do this, aligning with our strategic vision to strengthen and diversify the WA economy, and establish our State as a global energy hub leader,” he said.

“It’s incredibly important that we work together as a team – industry, education and Government – to create long-term jobs for all Western Australians.”

Chevron Managing Director, Al Williams, said greater industry collaboration is a key part of strengthening the local capability and delivering significant benefits across local jobs.

“With effective collaboration between industry and government, Perth can maximise the potential of its local industry and continue to grow as a global petroleum hub.”

UWA Vice-Chancellor Professor, Dawn Freshwater, added the collaborative research centre was a significant project that fulfilled the University’s aim of serving the community and improving people’s lives.

“Not only will it enhance Perth and WA as a centre of offshore engineering excellence, it aligns with UWA’s plans to expand and strengthen global partnerships, as we work to become a pivotal knowledge hub for the Indian Ocean Rim region,” Professor Freshwater said.