The $37 million centre, which will be dubbed the 'Australian Resources Research Centre', is an initiative of the CSIRO, Curtin University and the WA Government, and was developed with input from the mining and petroleum industries.

As for the oil and gas industry, ARRC representatives said the research will not just focus on improving oil exploration performance but also on preparing Australia for the transition to new energy sources in the future. "As production of liquid transport fuels steadily decline, ARRC researchers are developing technologies which enable us to utilise Australia's rich gas reserves and convert gas to liquids fuels," ARRC said. "A longer term objective is to develop the new technologies needed to allow Australia to enter the hydrogen age in around 20 years time."

Deputy vice-chancellor of research and development for Curtin University, Professor Paul Rossiter, said ARRC combines the University, which is moving whole departments and research centres into ARRC, and the CSIRO. "The CSIRO is internationally recognised as one of the world's great research organisations. Its works in mining and petroleum has produced billions of dollars for this country," he said. "This proven capacity and experience, when combined with the energy and talent of Curtin, will ensure the flow of new ideas and top quality people required for the future of the industry."

ARRC was purpose built to house CSIRO's petroleum, exploration and mining divisions together with Curtin's department of exploration geophysics and petroleum engineering. In addition, it will house the State Centre of excellence in petroleum research, petroleum geology and exploration as well as production geophysics.