The University of Wollongong has been selected by the Federal Government to undertake research into energy pipelines over the next 10 years.

The Government has set aside $17.5 million for an Energy Cooperative Research Centre.

The centre will look at more productive materials for energy pipelines, their design, their public safety and security of supply.

The university's dean of engineering, Professor Chris Cook, says new technologies are essential to extend the life of the existing, ageing network.

"Any country which has a big reliance on such important infrastructure as pipelines would be very prudent to be sure that it knows that it is using the best, most apt technologies available to make sure those pipelines are in good condition, that they last as long as possible," he said.

(www.eduwo.com, Jainlyn&Charlotte)