FOLLOWING an extensive search, the Australian Gas Industry Trust has appointed its first executive officer, Dr Jen Thompson, to further develop the Trust’s core objectives of promoting gas industry research and education.
“With a strong background in energy, research and science education, Dr Thompson is an ideal person to take AGIT’s activities forward through the energy transition,” said Trust chairman, Dr Graeme Bethune.
“I am delighted to have Jen on board.”
The AGIT is governed by representatives of all sectors of the Australian gas industry: upstream exploration and production, gas transmission pipelines, gas networks and gas appliances. Its role is to fund gas education and research.
Dr Thompson has more than 20 years working with government and academia and many years’ experience in mining and energy strategy. She has a deep understanding of the opportunities for industry development through research and education, according to AGIT.
She comes to AGIT from the Queensland Department of Natural Resources, Mines and Energy where she provided strategic policy advice to government across a diverse range of resource management areas as well as contributing to the national Council of Australian governments resources and energy agenda.
Dr Thompson sat on the COAG Resources Research and Development Team, was involved in establishing the recent Queensland Government’s Review of the Domestic Gas Pilot Program and worked with the University of Queensland to produce the North West Minerals Province Research and Development Priorities Report.
Dr Bethune said the new role would encompass the overall management of the Trust, implementing its newly created strategic plan and delivering education and research activities that are of value to the national gas industry.
Recent AGIT research priorities include projects on reducing the carbon footprint of natural gas. In terms of education, AGIT has run the successful Gas Speak professional development program for many years.
