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Issue 52 | May 2009
3D model showing oil and gas
flow pathways and
accumulations in the
Gippsland Basin. The model
helps VicDPI and CSIRO
scientists
understand the
geological 'plumbing'
of the region
CSIRO's Petroleum Resources (CPR) and the Victorian Department of Primary Industry (VicDPI) have joined forces in a multi-million dollar collaborative agreement to explore Victoria's basins in the search for more oil and gas.
The three year agreement was officially signed by CPR, Deputy Chief, Dr David Whitford and VicDPI, Deputy Secretary, Richard Aldous on 12 May 2009.
The information gathered from the comprehensive research program will characterise Victoria's sedimentary basins to reduce oil and gas exploration risk and provide integrated petroleum systems analysis to stimulate oil and gas exploration and investment. The research will also be of great value in helping to determine the potential for carbon storage in Victoria's basins and provide basic information for understanding of geothermal resource potential.
James Underschultz, CPR Project Leader, says the research program is a great opportunity to showcase the full breadth of our research expertise and utilise our unique laboratory facilities to evaluate all aspects of petroleum systems – from source rock to reservoir.
VicDPI has expertise in characterising the geologic framework of sedimentary basins in which petroleum systems may occur and has an extensive dataset that will allow the building of a 3D model of the State's sedimentary basins. This, in combination with CSIRO's ability to fully attribute the 3D model, harnesses the combined strengths of the two organisations.
The collaboration will allow the development of a more comprehensive understanding of the petroleum systems than is currently available.
