AGL Energy Limited (AGL) welcomes the release of the NSW Chief Scientist and Engineer’s report on coal seam gas activities which found that “CSG extraction and related technologies are mature and Australia is well equipped to manage their application.”

“The Chief Scientist’s report confirms that with appropriate safeguards and controls, natural gas from coal seams can be safely extracted to supply homes and businesses across NSW,” said AGL Head of Land & Approvals, Upstream Gas, Suzanne Westgate.

“AGL has a 175 year history providing energy to Australians and for the past 13 years our Camden Gas Project has been operating safely alongside communities, agriculture and other land uses, and provides five per cent of NSW’s gas demand. In Gloucester, we are working to further secure the state’s energy future and produce NSW gas for NSW customers.”

AGL’s Camden and Gloucester projects have the potential to provide 20 per cent of the state’s gas needs.

“AGL values the independent review by the Chief Scientist and acknowledges the need for best practice to ensure natural gas can be produced safely and sustainably across NSW. The report acknowledges that the coal seam gas industry, like many industries, has technical challenges and risks, however those risks can be managed through best practice,” said Ms Westgate.

The Chief Scientist has made 16 recommendations including the need for comprehensive monitoring of CSG operations. AGL supports these recommendations and already has 45 water monitoring bores in the Gloucester Basin and 11 dedicated ground water monitoring bores at Camden.

About AGL

AGL is one of Australia's leading integrated energy companies and largest ASX listed owner, operator and developer of renewable energy generation in the country. Drawing on over 175 years of experience, AGL operates retail and merchant energy businesses, power generation assets and an upstream gas portfolio. AGL has one of Australia's largest retail energy and dual fuel customer bases. AGL has a diverse power generation portfolio including base, peaking and intermediate generation plants, spread across traditional thermal generation as well as renewable sources including hydro, wind, landfill gas and biomass. AGL is taking action toward creating a sustainable energy future for our investors, communities and customers.