View the recording: MEI Seminar #1 - Conventional and unconventional natural gas
About
Our first seminar in the MEI Seminar Series for 2025 was presented by Steve Henzell, Senior Technical Advisor at Worley.
This seminar outlined the history and evolution of gas production and consumption in Australia. From the 1850s, cities were being supplied with town gas generated from coal sources. In the 1960s, onshore and offshore natural gas discoveries allowed the conversion to natural gas in most Australian cities. Coal seam gas has then been extracted for commercial use since 2001 and expanded significantly in Queensland in the 2010s. In contrast, shale gas has become a huge resource in the United States but remains in its infancy in Australia.
Steve also described the evolution of gas supply in Australia, growth into export markets and the transition into a mature resource.
Speaker
Steve Henzell
Technical Advisor, Worley
Steve Henzell is a Senior Technical Advisor with Worley in Melbourne. He has over 40 years’ experience in oil and gas design and operation, specialising in concept selection, gas processing and brownfield engineering and provides global leadership in these areas within Worley globally.
Steve has been involved with oil and gas field development and operation since the early 1980’s, starting his career with Esso, supporting the development of the oil and gas fields in the Gippsland Basin in eastern Victoria. He has had active roles in the development of the most oil and gas fields in Victoria since the 1990’s including Iona gas storage, Casino, Longtom, Minerva, Sole, Turrum, Kipper and West Barracouta gas developments.
Steve has also served as Chairman for the Victoria/Tasmania section of the Society of Petroleum Engineers, which promotes the sharing of knowledge associated with the petroleum industry.
About MEI's Seminar Series - a deep dive into the energy supply chain
The aim of MEI's Seminar Series is to give participants a sound understanding of the current technical and economic factors that underpin the Australian energy system. Knowledge of these market factors is critical in determining the changes required to move towards a clean energy system.
Each year, the focus is turned to one of our primary energy vectors, cycling through the major topics of electricity, natural gas, and energy commodities.
In 2025, the focus is once again turned to the gas supply chain. The seminars are delivered by specialists from industry and the University of Melbourne. Read more about the seminars, and sign up to be notified when the seminars are open for registration.
Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed are those of the presenter and do not necessarily reflect the official position of The Melbourne Energy Institute and The University of Melbourne.
The Melbourne Energy Institute welcomes broad discussion. Please engage respectfully and considerately with all perspectives.