Summary
Moomba to resume normal gas supplies ahead of schedule
Gas supplies from the Moomba plant are expected to return to normal by next weekend ahead of schedule and in excess of previously forecast levels.
Santos Limited announced today that supplies were expected to increase to about 550 terajoules per day (TJ/d) by next weekend, well above the historic summer demand from Moomba of around 400-450 TJ/d.
The higher volumes will represent the achievement of Stage 3 of the planned return to production after fire damaged the Moomba plant on New Years Day.
The 550 TJ/d compares with daily Moomba output of 400-450 TJ/d previously forecast under Stage 3 of the restoration of supply schedule.
It more than doubles the 200 TJ/d currently supplied from Moomba in recent weeks under Stages 1 and 2 of the schedule to return Moomba to full operations.
“Moomba’s imminent return to normal sales gas supply is one to two weeks ahead of our previous estimate,” Santos Managing Director, Mr John Ellice-Flint said today.
“The achievement of daily supplies of about 550TJ should eliminate any gas supply concerns for consumers in South Australia and New South Wales, Mr Ellice-Flint said.
“This reflects the success of the ongoing, efforts of Santos employees and contractors to repair the plant while maximising supply through undamaged sections, Mr Ellice-Flint said.
“Stage 3 also represents the first time we have been able to process gas through repaired sections of the plant damaged in the New Years Day incident.
“This includes bringing the gas chilling circuit back into service a significant milestone in Moomba resuming normal operations.”
Mr Ellice-Flint also announced today that work was well advanced on the longer-term Stage 4 repair schedule, designed to bring Moombas potential output to about 650 TJ/d.
“More than six kilometres of new cabling has been installed since New Years Day, more than 60 valves inspected, some 20 valves – each weighing up to half a tonne – removed and sent offsite for repair, and specialist instrumentation and other material flown in from the United States and United Kingdom.
“This has involved dedicated direct airfreight services to Moomba to keep the repair schedule on track, and significant support and round-the-clock effort from everyone involved.”
