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Australia’s gas industry to be strengthened by technology

March 24, 2017

The role Australian gas could play in the diverse energy mix beyond 2030 could be strengthened by technology, according to a new vision launched by the country’s gas industry. 

Prepared by APPEA, Energy Networks Australia, Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA), Gas Energy Australia and Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association of Australia (GAMAA), the Gas Vision 2050 shows that gas can provide energy for the Australia’s low-carbon energy future.

Energy Networks Australia gas committee chairman Ben Wilson said Australia’s gas supply and infrastructure should be a national advantage as its energy mix continues to evolve.

“The gas supply chain is working constructively with the Government to provide the energy security Australia needs today. We also recognize the need to plan for the longer-term,” Wilson said.

“Three transformational technologies – biogas, hydrogen and carbon capture and storage – could provide new zero-emission and low emission fuels that can deliver power to Australian homes, businesses and vehicles using the existing distribution network,” he added.

The power sector is the largest gas-consuming sector, accounting for 40 percent of worldwide gas demand today. The International Energy recognizes that gas is less carbon intensive than coal or oil and notes that gas-fired technologies have a far lower capital cost compared to coal generation.

Wilson said new technology will drive the decarbonization journey of gas.

APPEA chief executive Malcolm Roberts said natural gas has a pivotal role to play as we continue the move to a low‑carbon economy, both in Australia and around the world.

“Substituting gas for more emissions-intensive fuels is essential to achieving climate change targets,” Roberts said.

In addition, Gas Energy Australia’s CEO John Griffiths noted that there are currently 380,000 gas powered vehicles in Australia, adding that fuels like LNG, CNG or LPG can provide emergency energy supplies in response to natural disasters.