Long recognised as one of Australia's most important energy-producing regions, the Surat Basin now sits at the intersection of established energy industries, renewable energy investment, transmission development and regional economic growth.  

Speaking recently at the Surat Basin Energy Summit alongside leaders from across the industry, Executive General Manager Resources Kyle Koziol said the region provides an important example of the practical realities of Australia’s energy transition.

"The Surat Basin is a great example of what the energy transition looks like in practice," Kyle said.

You have established energy industries, new investment, experienced workforces, strong local businesses and critical infrastructure all working alongside each other. It's not about replacing one industry with another. It's about building on existing strengths while creating new opportunities.

As Australia continues its transition towards a lower-emissions future, the focus is increasingly shifting from ambition to delivery, and from individual technologies to the broader challenge of building a resilient, integrated and sustainable energy system.

The lesson is an important one. As Australia works towards decarbonisation, the challenge is not simply building the energy system of tomorrow. 

It is ensuring today's energy system continues to provide the reliability, resilience and economic value that customers and communities depend on. Drawing on experience supporting customers across resources, gas, electricity, renewable energy and water infrastructure, Ventia sees many of the opportunities and challenges shaping Australia's evolving energy landscape.

Transferable skills creating new opportunities

The capabilities developed through decades of energy production remain highly relevant as new forms of infrastructure are built. This places regions such as the Surat Basin in a strong position to support future investment while continuing to underpin existing energy production.

Over decades of energy development, the region has developed experienced workforces, sophisticated supply chains and local businesses capable of supporting major industrial projects. Those foundations create opportunities not only for current industries but also for transmission projects, renewable developments and future energy infrastructure.

"The infrastructure, skills and supply chains that support the energy industry in the Surat Basin have been built over many years," Kyle says.

"That creates opportunities not only for existing industries but also for the next generation of energy projects."

For a business like ours that operate across resources, gas, electricity networks and renewables, we have a unique ability to help customers navigate the challenges of the transition because we have the expertise.

Not picking winners, enabling outcomes

While technologies will continue to evolve, one principle remains constant: Australia will require a diversified and resilient energy system.

This thinking reflects Ventia's broader approach to supporting customers across the energy sector.

Rather than advocating for a single pathway, Ventia focuses on partnering with customers to solve complex operational, asset and infrastructure challenges, wherever they sit on the transition journey.

"Our role is helping customers navigate change, whether that's supporting existing gas assets, connecting renewable generation, delivering transmission infrastructure or helping prepare for the next phase of Australia's energy system,” Kyle said

 

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