From port to disposal: a strategic view to Australia’s O&G decommissioning success across the value chain
Erin Wild A * and Anjana Warrier B *A
B
Erin Wild is a Director in the Engineering and Asset Management team within KPMG’s Deals, Advisory and Infrastructure division. With experience across engineering and operations functions, Erin specialises in advising asset-intensive organisations to maximise asset performance and achieve Net Zero goals. She focusses on the energy and natural resources sector, advocating for life cycle asset management. She has experience in advising executive teams in building capability across people, process, change management and innovation. Erin has 18 years of professional executive experience in the O&G and Power & Utilities industries, bringing clarity to complex technical and business issues through a strong analytical approach and an ability to think differently about industry challenges. Working with all levels of organisations in Australia but also across the USA, West Africa, and Malaysia. Erin holds Engineering (Chemical) and Mathematical Science qualifications. |
Anjana Warrier is a Manager in the Engineering and Asset Management team within KPMG’s Deals, Advisory and Infrastructure division. With global experience spanning the UK, Middle East, India, and Australia, she brings a diverse and well-rounded perspective to her professional background. Her expertise encompasses both the O&G sector and the evolving landscape of decarbonisation and sustainability. Anjana’s critical thinking skills are honed through an in-depth understanding of the sector, allowing her to navigate complex challenges and contribute strategically to successful outcomes. As an enthusiastic advocate for energy transition initiatives, Anjana is committed to driving positive change within the industry. Anjana holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science and Engineering and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. |
Abstract
Australia’s decommissioning portfolio is forecasted to increase substantially over the next 50 years amounting to US$40.5 billion nationally, with 90% of decommissioning by 2060. High costs, the complexity of our infrastructure geography, ensuring circular economy and carbon efficient principles, will be challenges the industry will need to collaborate through. But Australia has a skilled workforce, a strong sustainability commitment, a mindset of partnership and collaboration as well as a tradition for innovation. These strategic advantages will enable the establishment of new industries early to be a regional player in decommissioning. As the assets are decommissioned offshore, travel to the beach, transported to identified waste providers and go through final end-of-life cycle management including recycling and repurposing, strategic linkages of the value chain will be key for a successful decommissioning industry set up. Understanding the oil and gas (O&G) decommissioning industry’s needs, opportunities and challenges early will strategically enable Australia to pave the way for building decommissioning expertise, critical infrastructure, and sustainable practices. This includes understanding where ports should intersect with waste storage, processing, recycling and disposal capabilities, as we have an opportunity to think differently about turning waste into new resources. And most importantly, how do we ensure availability of a skilled workforce in an already resource-crunched market? As we analyse the port to disposal value chain, it is important to overlay the carbon footprint, regulation, and socio-economic lenses on the journey to support the industry and to ensure long-term viability to minimise conflict with other competing industries or activities.
Keywords: decommissioning, domestic market, energy, heavy lift vessels, offshore, oil and gas, ports, regulations, value chain, workforce.
Erin Wild is a Director in the Engineering and Asset Management team within KPMG’s Deals, Advisory and Infrastructure division. With experience across engineering and operations functions, Erin specialises in advising asset-intensive organisations to maximise asset performance and achieve Net Zero goals. She focusses on the energy and natural resources sector, advocating for life cycle asset management. She has experience in advising executive teams in building capability across people, process, change management and innovation. Erin has 18 years of professional executive experience in the O&G and Power & Utilities industries, bringing clarity to complex technical and business issues through a strong analytical approach and an ability to think differently about industry challenges. Working with all levels of organisations in Australia but also across the USA, West Africa, and Malaysia. Erin holds Engineering (Chemical) and Mathematical Science qualifications. |
Anjana Warrier is a Manager in the Engineering and Asset Management team within KPMG’s Deals, Advisory and Infrastructure division. With global experience spanning the UK, Middle East, India, and Australia, she brings a diverse and well-rounded perspective to her professional background. Her expertise encompasses both the O&G sector and the evolving landscape of decarbonisation and sustainability. Anjana’s critical thinking skills are honed through an in-depth understanding of the sector, allowing her to navigate complex challenges and contribute strategically to successful outcomes. As an enthusiastic advocate for energy transition initiatives, Anjana is committed to driving positive change within the industry. Anjana holds a Master’s Degree in Environmental Science and Engineering and a Bachelor’s Degree in Civil Engineering. |
References
Blue Environment Pty Ltd (2021) Data on imports of waste and recovered materials into Australia, 2021. Release 28 September 2021. Available at https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/waste-imports-2021.pdf
CODA (2023) Understanding the Opportunity for Local Disposal and Recycling Pathways. Centre of Decommissioning Australia. Available at https://www.decommissioning.org.au/work/understanding-the-opportunity-for-local-disposal-and-recycling-pathways/
DAWE (2020) National Waste Report. Release 25 October 2022. Department of Agriculture, Water and the Environment. Available at https://www.dcceew.gov.au/sites/default/files/documents/national-waste-report-2022.pdf
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