Australian company ignites world-first energy breakthrough for Japan

An Australian company has contributed to a world-first breakthrough in extracting gas from off-shore methane hydrate which could help secure Japan’s future energy requirements.

Adelaide-based Farley Riggs has successfully completed its role in testing off Japan’s southern coast for the state-owned Japanese Oil, Gas and Metals National Corporation (JOGMEC) which could provide a new alternative energy source for the country.

Methane hydrate, sometimes referred to as burning ice, is a frozen mixture of water and gas that is formed when methane and water molecules combine under conditions of high pressure and low temperature. Found in ocean sediments and under permafrost on land, deposits of methane hydrate around the world are believed to rival known reserves of traditional fossil fuels.

Farley Riggs Managing Director Chris Riggs says the company is thrilled to play such a pivotal role in a project of global significance.

“Separating gas from methane hydrate is a monumental achievement due to the enormity of the potential energy source,” said Mr Riggs.

“Through our testing 50km off the southern coast of Honshu we confirmed the most effective process for extracting the methane involves controlled depressurisation of the deposit, with results showing that this method extracts up to 10 times the gas when compared to the Mallik on-shore production test in Canada in 2008.

“Farley Riggs coordinated the project from Adelaide including complex logistical issues associated with an off-shore project like this such as landing, assembling and testing of all equipment before loading onto the exploration vessel in Japan.

“Our involvement also included coordinating the design and build of all equipment from scratch to exacting specifications to handle the complexities of the operation. This involved integrating precise mechanical and electrical engineering and coordinating technical manufacturers and suppliers from Australia, Canada, US, Japan and Europe.”

Mr Riggs says the results ensure the Japanese Government’s program to establish commercial production of methane hydrate by 2018 remains firmly on track.

“When you consider that Japan currently imports all of its energy needs and is so heavily reliant on expensive liquefied natural gas and nuclear energy, this is a fantastic breakthrough for alternative energy,” he said.

“When combined with other possible reserves of methane hydrate around Japan, this now proven deposit has the potential to supply the country with an LNG alternative for the next 100 years.

“To play such a significant role in a world-first alternative energy project like this is a major accomplishment for Farley Riggs and really elevates us on the international stage as a cutting-edge service provider for oil and gas explorers.”

Farley Riggs continues to be involved in the delivery and evaluation of the data collected during the tests and will look to implement similar techniques and processes across other projects in Australia and internationally.

Established in 2007, Farley Riggs is regarded as Australia’s largest drill stem testing, surface well testing and data acquisition service provider to the oil and gas industry.

For more information about the company visit www.farleyriggs.com.au.

FURTHER INFORMATION: Please contact Chris Riggs, Farley Riggs Managing Director, on (08) 7120 9100

ISSUED BY HUGHES PUBLIC RELATIONS: Please contact Kieran Hall on (08) 8412 4100 or kieran@hughespr.com.au