Event overview

In the US, extraction of non-conventional energy sources is driving a boom in energy production that has transformed US energy security and is prompting a new wave of economic growth, causing many to ask whether a similar boom could occur here in Australia.

At last count, Australia had identified unconventional energy sources of more than 150 trillion cubic feet of coal seam gas; 400 trillion cubic feet of shale and 20 trillion of tight gas. Moreover, in the five years to 2010-11, CSG production increased from two per cent to 11 per cent of Australia's total gas production.

Against this backdrop have been growing concerns about the environmental and social impacts of the practice, resulting in a raft of regulatory changes at the federal and state levels designed to manage the potential impacts of unconventional exploration and development.

Given the importance of the sector to the national economy, balancing these risks with the economic opportunities unconventional energy presents is increasingly important.

The third and final event in CEDA's 2013 Victorian Energy series will:

• Explore the development of the national regulatory framework for coal seam gas;
• Look at ways of balancing the environmental and social concerns around unconventional energy exploration and development; and
• Examine what indicators will be required from government to stimulate and encourage investment in the sector.

Meet the keynote speaker

Richard McIndoe
Managing Director, EnergyAustralia

Meet the panel

Professor Peter Cook
Chair, ACOLA Review of Unconventional Gas,
And University of Melbourne

Reg Nelson
Managing Director, Beach Energy

Nathan Taylor
Chief Economist, CEDA

Series supported by CEDA member: