Pilot initiates courtship process for massive Perth Basin gas play
The impressive 8605-square-kilometre licence, Australia's largest offshore exploration permit, encompasses both proven oil and gas play fairways along WA's Mid West coast.
At the heart of Pilot's recent exploration strategy is the Leander gas prospect, a hefty trap target with an estimated 1.1 trillion cubic feet (tcf) of prospective gas resources and a probability of drilling success ranging from 24-36 per cent.
The company says its standout Kingia sandstone target, within Leander, holds 536 billion cubic feet (bcf) of gas with a 31 per cent chance of success, mirroring the geological characteristics of onshore Perth Basin discoveries such as Waitsia, Erregulla and Lockyer Deep.
Pilot has set the stage for a competitive farm-out by establishing a dedicated data room for suitors. It expects to receive multiple requests for a look from properly endowed industry players.
'Due to the quality and extent of Pilot's Perth Basin exploration holdings and their fast-track development potential to get direct access to the Western Australia domestic gas market, the company expects the farm-out process to be competitive.'
Pilot Energy managing director Brad Lingo
The company believes that attracting a partner with the technical and commercial expertise to drill Leander will fast-track its development by leveraging its nearby Cliff Head oil platform for rapid commercialisation.
The strategic infrastructure was recently acquired from Triangle Energy to spearhead Pilot's latest pivot into domestic gas, where demand is surging amid delays in other WA gas projects.
The company says its farm-out process dovetails with its broader vision to lead Australia's clean energy production at the same address, where Pilot is repurposing the Cliff Head oil field into a carbon capture and storage (CCS) facility as part of its ambitious Mid West Clean Energy project. Cliff Head infrastructure includes onshore processing facilities, pipelines and the Arrowsmith production plant.
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The Australian
2 days ago
- The Australian
Port Pirie, Hobart Nyrstar smelters bailout a boost for critical mineral capacity
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The Advertiser
2 days ago
- The Advertiser
Honda Australia looks to China, US for new vehicles
Honda Australia's new boss is using his ties in his former United States post as the company considers vehicles from all corners of the globe – including China – for its future lineup. Newly installed Honda Australia CEO Jay Joseph told CarExpert his nearly three decades of working for the brand in North America mean he's been able to exploit connections to the US supply chain. This includes the Honda 0 Series EVs, slated to be made at the automaker's 'EV Hub' in the US from 2026, which are on the cards for Australia. The US is Honda's biggest market by a considerable margin, with North America making up 60 per cent of its 1,361,779 global sales in the six months to June 2025. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Products in the US include the unibody Ridgeline ute, as well as the roughly Subaru Outback-sized (and also unibody) Passport SUV and the related Pilot, a Toyota Kluger competitor. Honda Australia also plans to add its first electric vehicle (EV) to its lineup in the second half of 2026, but it hasn't confirmed what it will be. In the US, it produces the electric Prologue SUV which uses a platform borrowed from General Motors. So far this year, it's actually outselling its Chevrolet-branded cousin, the Blazer EV. Prologue sales were up 83 per cent in July, compared with the same month last year. In China, Honda has joint ventures with Dongfeng and GAC. Under these, it produces a raft of vehicles including EVs under the Ye sub-brand such as the electric GT fastback, as well as the Honda e:Ny1 electric SUV that's exported to countries including the UK and New Zealand. While none of these are confirmed – and the current-generation Ridgeline all but ruled out – the Australian office is now looking beyond its typical Japanese and Thai-sourced vehicles courtesy of Mr Joseph's background. "I've been in contact with my former colleagues there quite a bit and it's something we're considering – we need to take a look at that. We need to look everywhere we can for products that are relevant to this market," he said."A lot of the tastes in the US are quite comparable and a good fit. "Australia is an interesting market because I would say it's more of a western market in terms of preferences and behaviors even though it's located here in Asia-Oceania." "And I think that suits it well to some products from other parts that maybe have been considered, but maybe I've got a chance to lobby for them a little bit stronger than in the past." Honda's manufacturing footprint in the US includes four main vehicle factories, with its Marysville, Ohio, plant being the oldest. It's been producing vehicles since 1982. It also has design and engineering centres as part of 18 major facilities across its US operations. "We can do full vehicle development in the United States comparable with GM (General Motors) and Ford – and I would say we're more capable than anybody else there," Mr Joseph told CarExpert. "This is all part of Honda becoming a global company and leveraging its management resources on a more global basis." The Ridgeline, Passport and Pilot have always been built exclusively in left-hand drive, but Honda Australia did source one vehicle from North America in the past. That was the Canadian-built MDX, a rebadged large SUV from Honda's premium Acura division, sold here from 2003 to 2006. MORE: Everything Honda Content originally sourced from: Honda Australia's new boss is using his ties in his former United States post as the company considers vehicles from all corners of the globe – including China – for its future lineup. Newly installed Honda Australia CEO Jay Joseph told CarExpert his nearly three decades of working for the brand in North America mean he's been able to exploit connections to the US supply chain. This includes the Honda 0 Series EVs, slated to be made at the automaker's 'EV Hub' in the US from 2026, which are on the cards for Australia. The US is Honda's biggest market by a considerable margin, with North America making up 60 per cent of its 1,361,779 global sales in the six months to June 2025. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Products in the US include the unibody Ridgeline ute, as well as the roughly Subaru Outback-sized (and also unibody) Passport SUV and the related Pilot, a Toyota Kluger competitor. Honda Australia also plans to add its first electric vehicle (EV) to its lineup in the second half of 2026, but it hasn't confirmed what it will be. In the US, it produces the electric Prologue SUV which uses a platform borrowed from General Motors. So far this year, it's actually outselling its Chevrolet-branded cousin, the Blazer EV. Prologue sales were up 83 per cent in July, compared with the same month last year. In China, Honda has joint ventures with Dongfeng and GAC. Under these, it produces a raft of vehicles including EVs under the Ye sub-brand such as the electric GT fastback, as well as the Honda e:Ny1 electric SUV that's exported to countries including the UK and New Zealand. While none of these are confirmed – and the current-generation Ridgeline all but ruled out – the Australian office is now looking beyond its typical Japanese and Thai-sourced vehicles courtesy of Mr Joseph's background. "I've been in contact with my former colleagues there quite a bit and it's something we're considering – we need to take a look at that. We need to look everywhere we can for products that are relevant to this market," he said."A lot of the tastes in the US are quite comparable and a good fit. "Australia is an interesting market because I would say it's more of a western market in terms of preferences and behaviors even though it's located here in Asia-Oceania." "And I think that suits it well to some products from other parts that maybe have been considered, but maybe I've got a chance to lobby for them a little bit stronger than in the past." Honda's manufacturing footprint in the US includes four main vehicle factories, with its Marysville, Ohio, plant being the oldest. It's been producing vehicles since 1982. It also has design and engineering centres as part of 18 major facilities across its US operations. "We can do full vehicle development in the United States comparable with GM (General Motors) and Ford – and I would say we're more capable than anybody else there," Mr Joseph told CarExpert. "This is all part of Honda becoming a global company and leveraging its management resources on a more global basis." The Ridgeline, Passport and Pilot have always been built exclusively in left-hand drive, but Honda Australia did source one vehicle from North America in the past. That was the Canadian-built MDX, a rebadged large SUV from Honda's premium Acura division, sold here from 2003 to 2006. MORE: Everything Honda Content originally sourced from: Honda Australia's new boss is using his ties in his former United States post as the company considers vehicles from all corners of the globe – including China – for its future lineup. Newly installed Honda Australia CEO Jay Joseph told CarExpert his nearly three decades of working for the brand in North America mean he's been able to exploit connections to the US supply chain. This includes the Honda 0 Series EVs, slated to be made at the automaker's 'EV Hub' in the US from 2026, which are on the cards for Australia. The US is Honda's biggest market by a considerable margin, with North America making up 60 per cent of its 1,361,779 global sales in the six months to June 2025. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Products in the US include the unibody Ridgeline ute, as well as the roughly Subaru Outback-sized (and also unibody) Passport SUV and the related Pilot, a Toyota Kluger competitor. Honda Australia also plans to add its first electric vehicle (EV) to its lineup in the second half of 2026, but it hasn't confirmed what it will be. In the US, it produces the electric Prologue SUV which uses a platform borrowed from General Motors. So far this year, it's actually outselling its Chevrolet-branded cousin, the Blazer EV. Prologue sales were up 83 per cent in July, compared with the same month last year. In China, Honda has joint ventures with Dongfeng and GAC. Under these, it produces a raft of vehicles including EVs under the Ye sub-brand such as the electric GT fastback, as well as the Honda e:Ny1 electric SUV that's exported to countries including the UK and New Zealand. While none of these are confirmed – and the current-generation Ridgeline all but ruled out – the Australian office is now looking beyond its typical Japanese and Thai-sourced vehicles courtesy of Mr Joseph's background. "I've been in contact with my former colleagues there quite a bit and it's something we're considering – we need to take a look at that. We need to look everywhere we can for products that are relevant to this market," he said."A lot of the tastes in the US are quite comparable and a good fit. "Australia is an interesting market because I would say it's more of a western market in terms of preferences and behaviors even though it's located here in Asia-Oceania." "And I think that suits it well to some products from other parts that maybe have been considered, but maybe I've got a chance to lobby for them a little bit stronger than in the past." Honda's manufacturing footprint in the US includes four main vehicle factories, with its Marysville, Ohio, plant being the oldest. It's been producing vehicles since 1982. It also has design and engineering centres as part of 18 major facilities across its US operations. "We can do full vehicle development in the United States comparable with GM (General Motors) and Ford – and I would say we're more capable than anybody else there," Mr Joseph told CarExpert. "This is all part of Honda becoming a global company and leveraging its management resources on a more global basis." The Ridgeline, Passport and Pilot have always been built exclusively in left-hand drive, but Honda Australia did source one vehicle from North America in the past. That was the Canadian-built MDX, a rebadged large SUV from Honda's premium Acura division, sold here from 2003 to 2006. MORE: Everything Honda Content originally sourced from: Honda Australia's new boss is using his ties in his former United States post as the company considers vehicles from all corners of the globe – including China – for its future lineup. Newly installed Honda Australia CEO Jay Joseph told CarExpert his nearly three decades of working for the brand in North America mean he's been able to exploit connections to the US supply chain. This includes the Honda 0 Series EVs, slated to be made at the automaker's 'EV Hub' in the US from 2026, which are on the cards for Australia. The US is Honda's biggest market by a considerable margin, with North America making up 60 per cent of its 1,361,779 global sales in the six months to June 2025. CarExpert can save you thousands on a new car. Click here to get a great deal. Products in the US include the unibody Ridgeline ute, as well as the roughly Subaru Outback-sized (and also unibody) Passport SUV and the related Pilot, a Toyota Kluger competitor. Honda Australia also plans to add its first electric vehicle (EV) to its lineup in the second half of 2026, but it hasn't confirmed what it will be. In the US, it produces the electric Prologue SUV which uses a platform borrowed from General Motors. So far this year, it's actually outselling its Chevrolet-branded cousin, the Blazer EV. Prologue sales were up 83 per cent in July, compared with the same month last year. In China, Honda has joint ventures with Dongfeng and GAC. Under these, it produces a raft of vehicles including EVs under the Ye sub-brand such as the electric GT fastback, as well as the Honda e:Ny1 electric SUV that's exported to countries including the UK and New Zealand. While none of these are confirmed – and the current-generation Ridgeline all but ruled out – the Australian office is now looking beyond its typical Japanese and Thai-sourced vehicles courtesy of Mr Joseph's background. "I've been in contact with my former colleagues there quite a bit and it's something we're considering – we need to take a look at that. We need to look everywhere we can for products that are relevant to this market," he said."A lot of the tastes in the US are quite comparable and a good fit. "Australia is an interesting market because I would say it's more of a western market in terms of preferences and behaviors even though it's located here in Asia-Oceania." "And I think that suits it well to some products from other parts that maybe have been considered, but maybe I've got a chance to lobby for them a little bit stronger than in the past." Honda's manufacturing footprint in the US includes four main vehicle factories, with its Marysville, Ohio, plant being the oldest. It's been producing vehicles since 1982. It also has design and engineering centres as part of 18 major facilities across its US operations. "We can do full vehicle development in the United States comparable with GM (General Motors) and Ford – and I would say we're more capable than anybody else there," Mr Joseph told CarExpert. "This is all part of Honda becoming a global company and leveraging its management resources on a more global basis." The Ridgeline, Passport and Pilot have always been built exclusively in left-hand drive, but Honda Australia did source one vehicle from North America in the past. That was the Canadian-built MDX, a rebadged large SUV from Honda's premium Acura division, sold here from 2003 to 2006. MORE: Everything Honda Content originally sourced from:
SBS Australia
2 days ago
- SBS Australia
New report says tackling climate change linked to economic prosperity
Listen to Australian and world news, and follow trending topics with SBS News Podcasts . While economic cost is often considered a barrier to the transition to clean energy, a new report from the Productivity Commission suggests getting this transition right could boost Australia's economic growth. The report from the independent government advisory body, titled 'Investing in cheaper, cleaner energy and the net zero transformation,' outlines a set of steps its authors say would get Australia back on the path to productivity growth by tackling climate change. Productivity Commissioner Barry Sterland says the report makes an important connection between two of Australia's most pressing issues, lagging productivity, and addressing the impacts of a changing climate. "Our productivity performance has been really bad. It is critical for income growth and intergenerational equity that we improve our productivity. Performance and climate change also has to be dealt with. It's a long-term issue. The government's made international commitments and Australia needs to meet those. And so what we're trying to do in this report is bring those two things together." It's the second of five reports due ahead of a federal government summit later this month [[19-21 Aug]] aimed at lifting productivity rates and boosting economic growth. The report's recommendations include actions to reduce the cost of meeting emissions targets, speeding up approvals processes for new energy infrastructure, and addressing barriers to private investment in the transition to clean energy. Mr Sterland says the report acknowledges that the transition to green energy infrastructure can and must happen faster and more efficiently. "The current system has for a long time, there's been a wide recognition that it doesn't really protect the environment particularly well, but it also takes too long for all sorts of projects to navigate and particularly energy infrastructure. The timelines have really blown out and got very long, and that's starting to challenge our ability to develop the clean energy we need to replace the existing aging infrastructure." He says building Australia's preparedness for future climate impacts by improving processes now is key to the country's future economic prosperity. "Climate impacts are coming and they're going to affect us no matter what responses happen. Now there's a certain amount of climate response coming into the system, and so we have to start acting early so that we are more resilient and the cost of those natural disasters doesn't keep going up so that we have a more resilient society so that we can still manage to have all the things we really want while addressing those climate impacts." Climate Council CEO Amanda McKenzie says the report recognises Australians are already feeling the wide-reaching economic impacts of climate change. "We are seeing right now the impact in South Australia of this massive algal bloom which has been driven by a massive marine heat wave, and that's affecting fisheries. It's affecting tourism and of course the community. We found that annual farm profits across Australia are 23 per cent lower since 2 000 due to climate change and one of the big worries in the community as of course the uninsurability of houses." She says the Commission suggests a key priority in tackling these rising economic impacts needs to be making Australian houses more climate resilient. "It says that if we are better prepared, we can cope with disasters more effectively. So it has a series of recommendations that we also endorse creating a central public database for all climate hazards so people have better access to understanding what they're actually exposed to. They also couple that with a recommendation around a star rating system for housing resilience so that homeowners can work out well, what do I need to do to make my house safer." Mr Sterland says building this resilience is one way to improve Australia's economic position, by lowering disaster recovery costs. "We've got to start making our society and our economy and our housing stock in particular, which is what we focus on in this report, more resilient to that change so that the human impacts of those disasters aren't as great the disaster spend that all the governments are having to respond in picking up the pieces and assisting communities pick up the pieces after those disasters. And so that is a challenge." Dani Alexander is the CEO of the Energy Institute at the University of New South Wales. She says with Australia's current energy infrastructure aging and in need of replacement, the Commission's report acknowledges an important opportunity to make the transition to clean energy benefit the economy. But she says finding the most efficient and cost-effective way to achieve this transition also requires innovation and research- and currently, Australia's investment in research and development lags behind other OECD countries. "We've got some of the best minds in energy innovation right here in Australia. But we need to activate our fantastic research and also technology development capabilities to get more from our energy projects, which is what productivity is all about. Unfortunately, we haven't seen this opportunity highlighted in the interim report or indeed even the latest update from the strategic examination of R and D (research and development." She says the Productivity roundtable later this month gives the Australian government a chance to invest in finding new solutions to tackle climate change and boost productivity. "I would really hope that the people around that table are looking very closely at our innovation opportunity I really feel like this is something that is not high enough on the priority list and if we are able to unlock the research but also novel technology solutions that we have at our fingertips that sit with an institutions ready to be unlocked Will actually be able to address a lot of the productivity challenges that have been highlighted in this report."
