Illustrator

Moomba Sydney Pipeline and MSEP

APA is currently undertaking a project to convert the Moomba Sydney Ethane Pipeline (MSEP) into a methane transport pipeline.

2000+ km
of natural gas pipeline
1974
first constructed
100%
APA owned and operated
From South Australia to Sydney

The Moomba Sydney Pipeline and converted MSEP system consists of more than 2000 km of mainline and lateral gas transmission pipelines connecting SA, NSW and ACT.

With NSW being Australia’s most populous state, the MSP plays a vital role in supplying natural gas to households and businesses on the east coast.

Mainline and laterals

The MSP is made up of:

  • A mainline 1,300km bi-directional pipeline between Moomba and Wilton with the ability to deliver to Culcairn
  • 58 km pipeline from Dalton to Canberra 
  • 245 km pipeline from Young to Lithgow and Bathurst
  • 131 km bi-directional pipeline between Young and Wagga Wagga
  • 179 km pipeline from Burnt Creek (on the pipeline between Young and Wagga Wagga) to Griffith
  • 88 km bi-directional interconnect pipeline between Culcairn and Wagga Wagga (which connects to the Victorian Transmission System at Culcairn)

The converted MSEP will provide for transport of methane directly from Moomba to either Wilton to Culcairn.

Key connection

At Moomba the MSP and MSEP connects with the South West Queensland Pipeline (SWQP). It provides a key link for gas coming out of Queensland to connect into the east coast grid, bringing gas down into NSW and Victoria.

Pipeline capacity

The MSEP has planned capacity of up to 25 TJ/d available from 2026. This would provide total southern haul capacity of up to 590 TJ/d from Moomba.

Regulation

While the main Moomba to Wilton pipeline is a non-scheme pipeline, different pipelines and sections of this system are subject to different regulations.

Culturally Sensitive Areas

We work in close partnership with Traditional Owners and Elders to conduct thorough site checks and consultations. By fostering positive relationships and actively involving them in our processes, we ensure their valuable input is respected and integrated into our work.

Community Engagement

We actively support our local community through sponsorships, including a $1,000 award for both Cobar High School and Cobar Primary School. Recently, we also contributed $2,000 to the Springhurst CFA to assist in purchasing a new trailer.

Additional information
ICRC Annual Report Summaries
Capacity and services

The following standard services are offered on the MSP, subject to available capacity:

  • Firm Transport
  • Interruptible Transport
  • Firm Park
  • Interruptible Park
  • Firm Loan
  • Interruptible Loan
  • Redirection
  • In Pipe Trade
  • Operational Capacity Transfer

 

A description of these services, including the Standard Gas Transportation Agreement (SGTA) can be found on the gas transmission services page.

Relevant tariffs for these standard services can be found on the tariffs and terms page.

Non-standard services or alternative terms may be available by negotiation. 

Notes on services
Firm services are available over varying terms as set out on the gas transmission services page.    

Interruptible services are only available while the pipeline is fully contracted in respect of the corresponding firm service.

Service Availability Information

Steps to find 12 month Medium Term Capacity Outlook data via the Gas Bulletin Board

  1. Click this link to navigate to the Capacity Outlooks section of the GBB Data Board 'https://aemo.com.au/energy-systems/gas/gas-bulletin-board-gbb/data-gbb/gas-flows'
  2. Navigate to file Medium Term Capacity Outlook (future)
  3. Open downloaded spreadsheet titled 'GasBBMediumTermCapacityOutlookFuture.csv'
  4. Filter ‘Column A - Facility Name' and select only relevant asset

Steps to find 36 month Uncontracted Capacity data via the Gas Bulletin Board

  1. Click this link to navigate to the Capacity Outlooks section of the GBB Data Board 'https://aemo.com.au/energy-systems/gas/gas-bulletin-board-gbb/data-gbb/gas-flows'
  2. Navigate to file Uncontracted Capacity Outlook (future)
  3. Open downloaded spreadsheet titled 'GasBBUncontractedCapacityOutlookFuture.csv'
  4. Filter ‘Column A - Facility Name' and select only relevant asset

Notes on available capacity

The amount of firm park or loan capacity available may be different to the amount of firm transport capacity on the pipeline that is reported in the 36-month uncontracted capacity outlook.

Policies, Procedures and Requirements

Metering and Measurement 

Metering and Measurement obligations are outlined in APA’s SGTA for East and Central, and for this pipeline are set out in the Metering and Measurement Requirements. 

Credit support 

APA has minimum credit support requirements that are a pre-condition to gaining access to pipeline services.

Contact

We encourage potential customers to contact APA early when considering their gas supply and transport needs. Early discussion of needs improves the likelihood that APA can tailor services to meet them.

Formal access request

Potential customers do not have to submit a Formal Access Request to gain access to an APA pipeline. If you are interested in acquiring services for this pipeline, you can contact us at the contact details above to discuss your requirements.

For APA's non-scheme pipelines, you have a right to make a Formal Access Request pursuant to Rule 559 of the National Gas Rules. Lodging a Formal Access Request triggers a formal process of Access Offer and information exchange between APA and the potential customer.

You can make a Formal Access Request by completing in full the relevant User Access Request Form and emailing it to useraccessrequest@apa.com.au.

APA Financial Information Disclosure – Part 7 National Gas Rules

APA is reporting financial information for its pipelines that are subject to light regulation according to AER’s Financial Reporting Guideline for Light Regulation Pipelines. The financial information for the years ending 30 June 2020 - 2024 includes pipeline financial information, the value of the capital base using the AER regulatory valuation methodology, and the weighted average price for services on each of these pipelines.

Interested parties should read APA’s Basis of Preparation together with the completed financial information template that was developed by the AER.

APA Financial Information Disclosure – Part 10 National Gas Rules

APA is reporting financial information for its pipelines under Part 10 of the National Gas Rules and the AER’s Pipeline Information Disclosure Guideline.

Financial information under Part 10 of the National Gas Rules and the AER’s Pipeline Information Disclosure Guideline will be reported from FY25.

APA Financial Information Disclosure – Part 23 National Gas Rules

APA is reporting financial information for its non-scheme pipelines — that is, pipelines that are not subject to full or light regulation, according to AER’s Financial Reporting Guideline for non-Scheme Pipelines. The financial information for the six months to 30 June 2018 and the years ending 30 June 2019 - 2024 includes Pipeline Financial Statements based on Australian Accounting Standards, the weighted average price for services on each of these pipelines, and the number derived using the AER recovered capital method (RCM).

Interested parties should read APA’s Basis of Preparation together with the completed financial information template that was developed by the AER.

In addition, APA advises in relation to RCM:

  1. The assumed initial capital structure is 40% equity and 60% debt. The level of equity will increase in circumstances where there is a shortfall in annual revenue.
  2. The return on equity is a commercial return applicable in a workably competitive market. Historically, this return for an established pipeline was in the range of 9-11%, depending on factors such as risk, terms and counterparty.
  3. The cost of debt is based on a 10-year rolling average of a market rate applicable for an entity whose business is solely the ownership and operatorship of the particular pipeline.
Standard OTSA – Part 24 National Gas Rules

Facility Details referred to in clause 2 of the Facility Specific Terms

Supplier Curtailment Methodology

Supplier Curtailment Methodology:

This Supplier Curtailment Methodology is established in accordance with Rule 101B(2)(f) of the National Gas Rules.

Conditions for Curtailment of Covered Gas Injected at Receipt Points:

The service provider may curtail the injection of covered gas at a receipt point if it fails to conform with the gas specification requirements.

Protocol for the Curtailment of Covered Gas Injected at Receipt Points:

For a more comprehensive overview of the curtailment process, please see Section 10 of APA Precedent SGTA East Coast Grid & Central Region pipelines Sample, which encompasses our East Coast Grid & Central Region pipelines.