Jemena is planning a major project to upgrade the gas network in the Botany and Randwick municipalities in NSW by rehabilitating 6.6 kilometres of gas distribution mains. The rehabilitation work will involve inserting modern, high-density nylon piping into existing gas mains, such as old cast iron mains.
This rehabilitation method reduces the need to dig trenches in the street which minimises safety and environmental risks that can arise when working in the vicinity of busy roads and utility infrastructure.
Since 1987, Jemena has rehabilitated almost 6,000 km 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 1.2 million homes and businesses throughout the state.
“Rehabilitation will minimise the likelihood of gas leaks or a loss of gas which sometimes happens when older cast-iron pipes become rusted or crack,” says Alf Rapisarda, Jemena’s Executive General Manager, Networks and Pipelines.
“The completion of this rehabilitation project in February 2015 will also ensure the network in Botany and Randwick municipalities will be 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 appliances,” he adds.
This project, due to start in late September, is one of many that are part of Jemena’s $800 million investment over a five-year period to upgrade and extend the Jemena Gas Network in New South Wales.
Each year, Jemena lays approximately 200 kilometres of new gas mains and each year some 30,000 new customers connect to the gas network in New South Wales.
