Title: Accessing energy resources in the arc of instability

Authors: Stephen Brophy

Addresses: Oil Search Limited, Angel Place, 123 Pitt Street, Sydney, 2000 NSW, Australia

Abstract: Australia is currently 65% self-sufficient in oil production. Australian refineries import oil from a range of sources, including PNG, which is a substantial oil producer. Oil Search is Operator of oil projects in PNG. This paper concentrates on PNG rather than other countries in the arc of instability. To keep the industry healthy, PNG developers need to find more oil, to keep costs in check and to maintain relations with landowners. PNG has been politically and financially stable of late. The proposed PNG Gas Project, to pipe gas from PNG to Australia, would be of national importance for PNG and has the potential to enhance PNG|s stability and independence.

Keywords: Australia; oil imports; PNG geography; PNG issues; landowners; instability; potential PNG gas projects; Australian aid; energy resources; Papua New Guinea.

DOI: 10.1504/IJGEI.2008.019074

International Journal of Global Energy Issues, 2008 Vol.29 No.4, pp.377 - 387

Published online: 28 Jun 2008 *

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