The Australian Pipeline and Gas Association welcomes the Federal Government’s support for consumer choice as part of Australia’s necessary transition to net zero.
In the second Climate Change Statement to Parliament, Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen rejected calls for a national coordination plan to phase out new and existing gas connections.
This decision recognises the vital role of the domestic gas system in delivering affordable, reliable energy to millions of homes, and businesses across the country. However, as Australia progresses toward net zero, the gas infrastructure sector recognises that gas must decarbonise to continue to play this role.
APGA chief executive Steve Davies says the fastest way to lose the transition’s social license is by restricting choice, which is failure households, industry and governments must work together to prevent.
“Australia must avoid cooking with coal, and that means pragmatism over populism. To reach net zero in the fastest and lowest-cost way, we need more decarbonisation avenues not fewer,” Mr Davies said.
”Today, and for the foreseeable future, natural gas in homes, cafes and pubs, and power generation has a significantly smaller carbon footprint than coal generation. That will remain true for years to come.”
“But that doesn’t mean gas shouldn’t, and isn’t changing. To expedite this process, Australia must implement a Renewable Gas Certification Scheme and Renewable Gas Target (RGT) without delay.”
Just 13 per cent of Victorians support a ban on residential gas connections, with 72 per cent opposed according to recent independent community sentiment analysis by Redbridge Group.
To learn more about renewable gases and how the APGA and the broader gas infrastructure industry are helping to deliver the least-cost pathway to net zero, click here.
About
The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) represents the owners, operators, designers, constructors, and service providers of Australia’s pipeline infrastructure, connecting natural and renewable gas production to demand centres in cities and other locations across Australia. Our members offer a wide range of services to gas users, retailers and producers and ensure the safe and reliable delivery of 28 per cent of the end-use energy consumed in Australia.
Contact
For further information or the opportunity to engage with Mr Steve Davies please contact: Paul Purcell
Corporate Affairs Manager
0422 247 750
ppurcell@apga.org.au
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