A new report from Energy Networks Australia (ENA) has highlighted the need for a renewable gas target to support decarbonisation of Australia’s gas networks and help the nation achieve its 2030 emissions reduction ambitions.

ENA Chief Executive Officer Andrew Dillon said Australia’s emissions reduction targets of 43 per cent by 2030 and net zero emissions by 2050 would require the decarbonisation of domestic gas use.

“Gas networks throughout Australia are undertaking projects that are already delivering renewable gas blends to customers, with ambitions to provide 100 per cent hydrogen or biomethane into homes by 2050 at the latest,” he said.

“This development of renewable gas is critical to support a lower cost clean energy transition, retain customer choice and diversity of energy supply so we can ride through droughts in renewable electricity generation.

“Supportive policy measures including a renewable gas target are imperative to help stimulate investment and expedite technology development.”

Mr Dillon said Australia has a long history of renewable electricity policy mainly driven by the renewable electricity target.

“Australia’s renewable electricity target has allowed for supportive policy leavers to be introduced, resulting in a robust renewable energy market. The same should be occurring for the renewable gas market,” he said.

ENDS

Some examples of key renewable gas blending projects that are occurring across Australia are:

• Hydrogen Park South Australia (HypSA) – AGIG
• Hydrogen Park Murray Valley – AGIG
• Hydrogen Blending Project, City of Cockburn – ATCO
• Western Sydney Green Hydrogen Hub- Jemena
• Malabar Biomethane – Jemena

To view the full report, by ENEA click here.

To view a summary piece, Energy Insider, click here