The 622km Northern Gas Pipeline has officially opened.

Asian conglomerate Jemena has announced the $800 million pipeline running from Tennant Creek to Mount Isa is complete after an 18-month construction process.

It should start transporting commercial gas in January.

Jemena says consultations for a possible expansion have already started.

Federal Resources Minister Matt Canavan has described the project so far as the “missing link” in the east coast gas market.

“Having a pipeline that connects the centre of Australia to eastern markets, helps us develop and become more connected as a country,” said Mr Canavan.

“The Territory is becoming the centre of gas production in Australia, it's on the cusp of doing that.”

NT Resources Minister Ken Vowles says the NT is happy to do the heavy lifting and supply gas to the rest of the country, and aims to become the gas hub of Australia.

The gas has been sourced from the Black Tip Point reserve and the Mereenie Field in Central Australia.