25 Sep 2020
Gas delivering a cleaner energy future
JOINT MEDIA RELEASE
A landmark new report Gas Vision 2050: Delivering a Clean Energy Future released today outlines Australia’s journey to a cleaner energy future by highlighting the pivotal role gas and gas infrastructure can play in Australia’s low carbon energy future.
Gas Vision 2050 was developed by Australia’s peak gas industry bodies and demonstrates how gas will continue to provide Australians with reliable and affordable energy beyond 2030.
The report outlines a roadmap to decarbonising the natural gas sector to help meet Australia’s emissions reduction commitments over the coming decades and documents innovative research and strong progress being made in advancing transformational technologies.
The major conclusion of the report is that net-zero emissions can be reached with hydrogen at half the cost of electrification.
The Vision for Australia is to continue to transform gas resources into products and services to enhance national prosperity while achieving carbon neutrality. This strategic approach to reducing emissions can utilise developing technologies to also deliver jobs, growth and export benefits.
Energy Networks Australia Acting CEO Tamatha Smith said: “There is a role for electricity and a role for gas in a low carbon future, this report demonstrates it’s not one or the other.”
APPEA Chief Executive Andrew McConville said: “The report highlights the vital role of natural gas in emissions reduction through fuel switching from more emissions-intensive fuels to gas. Gas is also one of Australia’s most important exports, contributing $47 billion to our economy in 2019-20.”
APGA CEO Steve Davies said: “The vision sets out a clear and lasting role for gaseous fuels in a decarbonised future. It is not only possible, it is an investment that provides lower cost energy, more security and more storage in the energy system than electrifying all energy supply.”
Gas Energy Australia CEO John Griffiths said: “Gas Vision 2050 demonstrates how Australian-made downstream gas fuels create Australian jobs, power ships, keep the lights on in rural and remote communities, heat our homes, support hospitals and fuel the good old Aussie BBQ. They’re doing this now while delivering affordable emissions reductions and will do so more as the industry transitions to renewable gas.”
GAMAA President Ross Jamieson said: “Consumers like gas appliances as they have unique benefits in applications such as heat for cooking, hot water and space heating. As industry leaders we encourage innovation and efficiency within the energy sector to provide consumers with choice. Gas Vision 2050 shows how innovative gas appliances will continue their role in Australian households as we transition to a low carbon future at lowest cost.”
The Gas Vision 2050 report is available here.