As a part of the company’s CGG program to develop the satellites, Santos has plans to significantly expand the existing upstream operations, which also includes Moomba gas fields and processing facilities in South Australia.

Under the deal, Jacobs will provide study management and engineering and design services to the project.

Jacobs’ study will mainly concentrate on design standardization and modularisation, which are expected to provide long term advantages, relating to the operational flexibility and reliability of the facilities.

Jacobs Group vice president Tom Quinn said that the company has worked with Santos for quite a long time and successfully in Australia.

"This contract continues our 30 year relationship, and we are delighted to support them in delivering upstream services for the Cooper Basin," added Quinn.

Cooper Basin development is currently Australia’s biggest onshore resource project, which produces sales gas, ethane, crude oil and gas liquids.