Origin Energy Limited (Origin) announced the signing of a conditional gas sales agreement with QGC Pty Limited (QGC), providing Origin an additional pathway to monetise its gas portfolio.

Under the terms of the agreement, Origin will supply QGC with up to a total of 30 petajoules (PJ) of gas at Wallumbilla in calendar year 2014 and 2015 at oil-linked pricing.

The transaction retains Origin's fuel flexibility with an option to call back certain volumes of gas into its portfolio during periods of high east coast gas or electricity market demand.

Origin Chief Executive Officer Energy Markets, Mr Frank Calabria said, "The supply agreement with QGC provides Origin an opportunity to leverage its diverse gas portfolio and extensive transport flexibility to create further value in the gas market.

"The agreement highlights the strength and flexibility of Origin's portfolio of fuel resources, which position the company ideally to meet domestic and international demand for gas," Mr Calabria said.

Along with its existing gas portfolio, Origin has access to a range of organic growth opportunities including the Halladale Black Watch conventional gas project in Victoria and the Ironbark CSG project in Queensland.

About Origin Energy

Origin Energy (ASX: ORG) is the leading Australian integrated energy company focused on gas and oil exploration and production, power generation and energy retailing. A member of the S&P/ASX 20 Index, the company has more than 6,000 employees and is a leading producer of gas in eastern Australia. Origin is Australia's largest energy retailer servicing 4.3 million electricity, natural gas and LPG customer accounts and has the country's largest and one of the most flexible generation portfolios with 6,010 MW of capacity. Origin's strategic positioning and portfolio of assets provide flexibility, stability and significant opportunities for growth across the energy industry. Through Australia Pacific LNG, its incorporated joint venture with ConocoPhillips and Sinopec, Origin is developing one of Australia's largest CSG to LNG projects based on Australia's largest 2P CSG reserves base.

In New Zealand, Origin is the major shareholder in Contact Energy, the country's leading integrated energy company, operating geothermal, thermal and hydro generation facilities and servicing electricity, gas and LPG customers across both the North and South islands. Origin also operates several oil and gas projects in New Zealand and is one of the largest holders of petroleum exploration acreage in the country.

Origin has a strong focus on ensuring the sustainability of its operations, is the largest green energy retailer in Australia and has significant investments in renewable energy technologies.

About QGC

QGC is a leading natural gas explorer and producer focused on establishing the world's first project to convert gas from coal seams into liquefied natural gas - Queensland Curtis LNG (QCLNG).