The challenge
Unlocking oil and gas resources
Offshore oil and gas resources are critical for Australia's energy needs during the transition to renewable, low-emissions energy sources.
Most of Australia's supply comes from our marine territory, yet our deep sea remains relatively unexplored. We still have much to learn.
CSIRO's ongoing research efforts are helping to maximise recovery from our producing petroleum reservoirs, access gas reserves in very deep water (called 'stranded gas') and develop specialised solutions to the unique technical challenges of offshore exploration and production.
Our response
New technologies for exploration and production
We are working with industry, government and universities to provide scientific knowledge and advice about offshore oil and gas. Our research covers the environmental, economic and social factors associated with the entire oil and gas value chain.
CSIRO has extensive geoengineering expertise which we use to develop new technologies for subsea operations, including:
- flow assurance systems to ensure uninterrupted flow of oil and gas in subsea pipelines and access to previously stranded gas
- a hydrocarbon sensor array to monitor the movement of oil spills
- Bluelink — ocean forecasting for Australia and regions around the world, with Defence and Bureau of Meteorology
- PipeAssure to repair pipelines quickly and safely with minimal disruption and operation down-time
- PressureDB — a database of subsurface formation pressure, temperature and salinity from oil and gas wells.