CSIRO has a commitment to strategic and pre-commercial research based on key petroleum industry priorities.

As such we have developed strong networks with industry and research organisations in Australia and around the world. These include researchers from:

• all CSIRO Divisions
• National Research Flagships
• universities
• Cooperative Research Centres
• State, Territory and Federal Government agencies
• oil and gas companies.

AES:WA is an example of these collaborative undertakings.

Industry alliance

In January 2005, Chevron signed a Memorandum of Understanding with WA:ERA to form a Strategic Research Alliance to significantly increase the level of oil and gas research in Western Australia.

The Alliance aims to maximise ongoing and future investment in research projects in Western Australia that are relevant to oil and gas exploration and development, hydrocarbon processing, industry related health, safety and environmental issues, and education and training initiatives.

AES:WA (Advanced Energy Solutions: Western Australia) will enhance Chevron's capabilities and expertise in the areas of hydrocarbon exploration, production and processing.

Oil and gas capabilities

AES:WA will capitalise on the research capabilities of CSIRO, Curtin University and The University of Western Australia as part of the WA:ERA and Chevron to develop and deploy new technologies and new applications of existing technologies. Research areas of interest include:

• deepwater seismic acquisition and interpretation
• drilling and production of high volume large bore wells
• remote subsea production systems
• carbon dioxide capture and long-term containment.

Chevron's commitment to Western Australia

Through its Energy Technology Company (ETC), Chevron has selected Perth as the home of its Global Technology Centres (GTC). The GTC is only the third such international centre established by Chevron. 

It signals the company's strong interest in developing excellence in gas research capability in Western Australia. Perth was also chosen to host the GTC because of the high calibre of WA universities and the quality of potential recruits.

The GTC will benefit WA:ERA by increasing Chevron’s spread of technology activities in Perth, improving the scope for collaborative work and engagement.

Find out more about CSIRO's Petroleum and Geothermal Research.