Australia's federal government should farm in to Equinor's deep-water exploration venture in the Great Australian Bight if the Norwegian company is unable to attract a farm-in partner, according to a leading Australian energy analyst and commentator.

"We hope that Equinor finds an appropriate farm-in partner so it can go ahead and drill its well next year," said EnergyQuest.

"If not, the federal government should consider farming-in.