Research available from oil and gas industry commodity traders and bankers suggests relatively stable pricing of key commodities for the next two to three years. Barring another oil shock, or similar major international event, that will mean a positive atmosphere for longer term decision making by project developers and regulators. With a new, stable Federal Government and similar persuasion State Governments focused on repealing the carbon tax and developing key infrastructure around Australia including ports, it is not unreasonable to expect a period of real growth and project development, including a resurgence of interest in oil and gas exploration. Doubtless continuing pressure from political lobby groups and parties to try and claim some ground in areas like groundwater re-treatment and usage, and the repeal of the Mineral Resource Rent Tax and the carbon tax legislation packages, will be apparent. How the government may achieve these legislation changes will have significant impact on project feasibility and how projects are designed, operated and managed. Some of the fascinating developments in researching aspects of how the Australian industry will achieve its technical objectives and how they are supported by the research and development tax incentives are worth more than a cursory financial review. With a historically cheap cost of capital there will be increased focus on borrowing methodologies and supporting techniques, with equity only being freely available to the majors. The funding of exploration programs and the determination of what is research and development in those programs will be critical for smaller companies.
How Do R&D Programs Funded by the Dg Xii (Science, Research and Development Directorate) of the European Commission Impact the Upstream Oil and Gas Industry in Europe?