Jemena is planning a major project to upgrade the Bowral gas network by rehabilitating 11 kms of gas distribution mains using a technique known as gold-lining.
Gold-lining involves inserting modern, high-density nylon piping into existing gas mains – such as old cast iron mains and old high-density polyurethane (HDPE) gas mains.
This process, which derives its name from the yellow colour of the new piping, reduces the need to dig trenches in the street. This trenchless technique also minimises safety and environmental risks as work is often carried out in the vicinity of busy roads and other utility infrastructure.
Since 1987, Jemena has rehabilitated almost 6,000 kms of gas mains – which represents almost a quarter of the 25,000 km-long Jemena Gas Network in New South Wales. This network distributes natural gas to over 1.1 million homes and businesses throughout the state.
“Rehabilitation of the Bowral network will minimise the likelihood of gas leaks or a loss of gas which sometimes happens when these old cast-iron pipes become rusted or the old HDPE gas mains start to crack,” says Peter Bowden, Jemena’s General Manager, Gas.
“Rehabilitation will also ensure the Bowral network is able to cope with growth in demand for natural gas which is driven by the increasing number of homes and businesses in the area using natural gas and the increasing use of gas appliance,” he adds.
The Bowral rehabilitation project is one of many that are part of Jemena’s $810 million investment over a five-year period to upgrade and extend the Jemena Gas Network.
This investment is aimed at ensuring more homes and businesses can enjoy the benefits of natural gas, at ensuring the reliability and integrity of gas supply to homes and businesses and at meeting the growing demand for natural gas as customer numbers grow each year.
“Each year we add another 30,000 customer sites to the Jemena Gas Network in New South Wales. Since 2005/2006, the total number of homes and businesses connected to the gas network has increased by 160,000,” says Peter Bowden.
