The delegation was led by Western Australian Premier Geoff Gallop and met several leading US energy figures including Deputy Secretary for Energy Kyl McSlarrow, Under Secretary for Energy Environment and Science, Robert G Card, and Assistant Secretary for Fossil Energy Carl Michael Smith.

Speaking on departing Washington DC today, CME Chief Executive Tim Shanahan said the focus of the talks were on the extent of the Western Australian gas resources and the reliability and security of Western Australian supply.

"It is quite clear that the US is looking for diversification of energy supplies for strategic security and competition".

"Western Australia is well placed to meet these requirements and supply the expected US LNG market which is expected to grow from its current share of 1.5% to 25% of the total US gas demand by 2025".

The delegation was advised that the National Petroleum Council's recent analysis of US Natural Gas demand concluded that significant quantities of LNG will need to be imported to the US in the future to meet the growing demand for natural gas.

According to the DoE sponsored study it is understood that the existing four US regasification terminals will be at capacity within 3 years and additional facilities will be required within that timeframe.