Overview
 

Our vision is to be a leader in cleaner energy solutions

Mitsui E&P Australia (MEPAU) is an Australian subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd. and is responsible for driving energy investment growth in the region, focused on establishing a responsible, reliable and sustainable supply of energy to meet growing energy demands.

MEPAU has been operating in Australia for 20 years, growing to become a significant contributor to the development of sustainable energy for the nation.

MEPAU has a vision to be a leader in cleaner energy solutions, and to consistently demonstrate operational excellence and safety performance.

A long history in Australia

In 1901, the former Mitsui & Co. established its first Australian office in Sydney, quickly becoming a key player in the emerging trade between Australia and Japan, exporting commodities such as wool, cotton, wheat, and non-ferrous metals.

After a series of mergers with other trading firms, a new version of Mitsui & Co. entered Australia in 1955. First trading under the name of Daiichi Bussan, then becoming Mitsui & Company in 1960, and finally in 1967 the current name ‘Mitsui & Co. (Australia) Ltd. was adopted.

Mitsui E&P Australia (MEPAU) was founded in 2004 as a subsidiary of Mitsui & Co. Ltd, to be responsible for driving growth in energy markets in the Australian region. MEPAU has since expanded its portfolio in oil and gas assets and is now aiming to extend its value chain into new developments complimentary to energy operations, including carbon capture and storage, and carbon farming. This will allow MEPAU to transform into an Energy Solutions company, contributing to Australia’s energy security and reliability.

Our Journey
 
Yardarino Oil Rig 1964 - Image courtesy Irwin District Historical Society
1964
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1995
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2016
2018
2021
2021
2021
2022
2024

First gas found in the Perth Basin at Yardarino (near Dongara) by West Australian Petroleum Pty Ltd (WAPET), leading to the discovery of the Dongara Wodgina reservoir.

 

WA’s first gas pipeline is built by APA Group (Australia), the 416km Parmelia Gas Pipeline from Dongara to Pinjarra, and the first gas was produced for sale from the Dongara Wodginga reservoir.

Wandoo Petroleum Formed, Mitsui’s first direct interest into exploration and production (E&P).

Mitsui E&P Australia formed to hold Enfield/Vincent offshore interests.

 

Consolidation of E&P interests across Australia and New Zealand into Mitsui E&P Australia.

Kipper interest acquired by Mitsui E&P Australia.

Acquisition of AWE group of companies by Mitsui & Co.; in 2022 the full integration of AWE under the group umbrella Mitsui E&P Australia was completed.

 

Waitsia Project Stage 2 Final Investment Decision (FID) and commencement of Project construction.

Carbon Solution Business launched and acquisition of Outback Carbon Business by Mitsui E&P Australia.

Commencement of joint feasibility study on Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) and low carbon ammonia opportunities in WA associated with Perth Basin investments.

First property acquisition for carbon purpose; and first seedlings planted for a carbon project.

Successful CO2 Injection Assessment for the Cygnus (CCS) Hub in the Mid West, Western Australia.

Leadership Message
 
Mitsui E&P Australia (MEPAU) is an Australian subsidiary of Mitsui & Co., Ltd and is responsible for driving energy investment growth in the region, focussed on establishing a responsible, reliable and sustainable supply of energy to meet growing energy demands.

MEPAU is based in Perth, Western Australia, and we are proud to be a part of the rich history of the Perth Basin, which has been providing a reliable source of energy to Western Australia for almost 50 years.

Our people are what make the realisation of this vision possible, with their commitment to MEPAU’s values of safety, integrity, collaboration, innovation and excellence.

Founded in 2004, MEPAU has extended its portfolio geologically across the continent from east to west and from non conventional to conventional oil and gas assets, and the acquisition of AWE in 2018 has provided us with the opportunity to build our capability in the Perth Basin.

As part of our mission, committing to a reliable, affordable and sustainable supply of energy and leading the energy transition with low carbon solutions, MEPAU is now aiming to extend our value chain into new low carbon energy operations. This will allow us to transform into an Energy Solutions company, contributing to Australia’s energy security and reliability.

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Ken Yamamura Managing Director & CEO