Beetaloo Basin greenlight

The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association welcomes the NT Government’s decision to allow natural gas production in the Beetaloo Basin, which will provide much-needed supply to the domestic market, unlock economic opportunities in the NT, and support higher levels of renewable electricity generation.

The decision announced by Chief Minister Natasha Fyles to greenlight projects in the Beetaloo Basin on Wednesday follows the news of further delays to Snowy Hydro 2.0. This development demonstrates the key role gas-fired generators will play to ensure the stability of the NEM as coal power plants exit and unexpected delays and issues occur.

By implementing all 135 recommendations from the Pepper Inquiry, the Beetaloo Basin projects will adhere to robust environmental standards to ensure net zero Scope 1 & 2 emissions from day one.

APGA Chief Executive Steve Davies says the domestic gas infrastructure industry is supportive of the move to bring affordable gas supply to domestic households and industry, particularly as a means to put downward pressure on everyday Australians’ electricity and gas bills in the medium term. .

“Australians across the country are struggling with their gas and electricity bills, which have been in part driven by a shortage of gas supply,” Mr Davies said. “If we want to make the most of our strategic advantages and build things here in Australia, we need affordable and reliable gas to do so.”

“These projects in the Beetaloo Basin will deliver more much-needed supply to gas-power generators, which work in tandem with renewables to ensure the NEM is secure, and energy prices are affordable.”

“The rapid but necessary exit of coal-fired generation in the coming years, combined with delays to Snowy Hydro 2.0, makes clear the role that gas needs to play to keep the lights on, and gas-fired generators need dependable and affordable supply in order to fulfil that job.”

The projects in Beetaloo Basin have the potential to provide approximately 365PJs of natural gas to market each year, which is enough energy to support the annual needs of about 12 million Australian households – double the current number connected to the domestic gas grid.

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

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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.

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