Australian explorer Western Gas has signed an memorandum of understanding with gas infrastructure firm APA to study the feasibility of supplying gas from its Equus project offshore Western Australia, it said on February 24. 

The companies will undertake a joint development and marketing study to supply Equus gas at competitive prices to Western Australia and the east coast via a transcontinental pipeline, Western Gas said.  

“The scope of the study comprises a detailed assessment of development, commercial, marketing and regulatory aspects of the project, which will form the basis of an integrated bankable feasibility study,” it said. “The study is a key step in delivering a new and independent gas supply for Western Australia and east coast gas customers.” 

According to Western gas, the Equus is a development-ready 2 trillion ft³ gas and 42mn barrels condensate project located offshore about 200 km northwest of Onslow in Western Australia. The company plans to develop the Equus fields via a 210-km offshore pipeline to the Ashburton North Strategic Industrial Area.  

“Establishment of this offshore pipeline has the potential to enable development of other stranded gas resources, creating opportunities for additional gas supply into domestic markets and new value-adding gas-related developments,” the company said.  

Western Gas is the operator and 100% owner of the project.