ABB, the leading power and automation technology group, has won a $58 million order from QGC Pty Limited, a BG Group business, to provide integrated automation, safety and telecommunications systems and related equipment for a new upstream coal seam gas project in Queensland, Australia. ABB was appointed the main automation contractor for the project.
Coal seam gas is natural gas extracted from coal beds. It provides the same amount of energy as coal, but carbon dioxide emissions are 40 percent lower.

QGC’s Queensland Curtis LNG Project is one of Australia’s largest capital infrastructure projects. ABB’s delivery will optimize the efficiency of the upstream gas gathering and compression facilities, and provide communications and remote operation for the 540-km buried pipeline network that will transport gas to a liquefied natural gas processing facility at Gladstone, Queensland. The plant will initially produce 8.5 million metric tons of LNG a year.

“ABB’s extensive oil and gas project delivery and management expertise combined with our large portfolio of technology and services is the comprehensive approach needed to successfully execute these complex projects for our customers,” said Veli-Matti Reinikkala, head of ABB’s Process Automation division.

ABB completed the initial front-end engineering and design study for the project in early 2011. The scope of supply includes its Extended Automation System 800xA for process control and integration with other plant and remote pipeline systems, as well as integrated safety, compressor protection, emergency shutdown, fire and gas applications and other related automation equipment and services. It includes telecommunication systems infrastructure and equipment, as well as installation, commissioning support and related project services.

The project will be commissioned in several phases, with first deliveries scheduled in 2011 through to project completion in 2014.