A NEW research alliance has been announced between major oil and gas player ChevronTexaco and the Western Australian Energy Research Association.
The alliance, to be known as the WA Alliance for Advanced Energy Solutions,
will coordinate research and development and more effectively utilise the capabilities of WAERA’s three joint-venture institutions – the CSIRO, the University of WA, and Curtin University of Technology.
For its part of the agreement, ChevronTexaco is targeting an investment of up to $5 million a year.
The work from the strategic alliance, which will provide for the development of multiple research projects, is expected to benefit the Australian oil and gas industry and ChevronTexaco’s worldwide operations.
WAERA acting chief executive Robert Johnson said short and long-term projects would initially focus on oil and gas exploration and development, hydrocarbon processing, industry-related health, safety and environmental issues, and education and training initiatives.
In addition, the association hopes future research could support the development of emerging technologies, such as those involved with the hydrogen economy.
The agreement follows a $20 million grant to the association from the State Government in July last year as part of its major research facilities program, and support given by Woodside Energy through another industry partnership.
