The design competition phase for the Waitsia gas project in the northern Perth Basin has been given the green light.
Starting immediately, the competition for the project facilities will include a gas plant capable of processing 100 TJ/d, carbon dioxide extraction, collection hubs and flow lines.
The approach will allow the joint venture to establish a high degree of capital cost and will also develop and compare contracting models.
The four contractors selected for the design competition include Quanta/Suez, ATCO Australia, SNC-LAVALIN, and Clough.
AWE, the production operator at the West Australia site, hopes to complete all phases of the project by the end of 2017.
“Waitsia Stage Two has been making excellent progress and the joint venture’s decision to begin the design competition is another sign that this project is rapidly gaining momentum,” said David Biggs, AWE’s managing director.
“A design competition is the best way for the Waitsia Joint Venture to compare the various aspects of BOO delivery methods while at the same time ensuring a high degree of certainty around the capital cost component.”
In addition, AWE is currently drilling the Waitsia-3 appraisal well – the first of a two-well programme which will facilitate a review of Waitsia reserves.
When developed, it is Waitsia will provide around 10 per cent of Western Australia’s gas demand.