Australia’s role in meeting the global energy challenge
Ann PickardExecutive Vice President, Australia, Shell Upstream International
The APPEA Journal 50(3) - https://doi.org/10.1071/AJ09116
Published: 30 June 2010
Abstract
Global energy demand will continue to grow rapidly, and sustainable energy supplies will struggle to keep up. The global energy challenge is therefore clear.
Australia’s role in meeting this challenge is also clear. It has the resources, the technology and innovation, the political and fiscal stability, and the proximity to key markets that should see it become a world energy leader.
If, however, we are to fulfil our role, and do so in a sustainable way, we need to get the settings right—both internally and externally.
Industry needs to be brave and invest on an unprecedented scale; it needs to harness technology in a way that provides access to resources we never thought were attainable. It needs to overcome the challenges and realise the benefits of unconventionals, all the while addressing the low-carbon imperative.
Government needs to make it possible for industry to take the risks required to get to the next level. It needs to provide certainty around fiscal regimes, stability around industrial relations, and constancy when it comes to long-term access to the resources needed to underpin long-term projects.
Having been in Australia for more than 100 years and contributed to every aspect of the Australian energy sector, Shell is firmly committed to this energy challenge journey. Over the next 10 years we expect to invest somewhere in the vicinity of $20 billion into this country. We plan to develop the discoveries coming from one of the world’s most successful oil and gas exploration programs and harness Shell technology and innovation to do so. We plan to do this in partnership with our joint venturers, the Australian community, and all levels of Australian government.
The challenge is clear. The opportunity is clear. I look forward to working with you.
Ann Pickard is the Executive Vice President of Upstream Australia in the Shell Upstream International organisation. Based in Perth since March 2010, she oversees the exploration, production and gas commercialisation part of Shell’s Australian business. Described by Fortune Magazine as the bravest woman in oil and one of the 50 most powerful women in business, Ann was Shell’s Regional Executive Vice President for Sub Sahara Africa, based in Lagos Nigeria, for the past five years. In that role she oversaw the company’s exploration and production, gas and LNG activities in the region. Before that, Ann was Director, Global Businesses and Strategy and a member of the Shell Gas and Power Executive Committee with responsibility for global LNG, power, and gas and power strategy. Ann came to Shell in 2000, leaving Mobil upon the merger with Exxon. She has significant business experience throughout South America, the countries of the former Soviet Union, the Middle East and Africa. Ann is a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania and the University of California, San Diego. She is married and has two children. |
