The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) welcomes the Victorian Government’s commitment to boosting the state’s bioenergy capacity to help strengthen energy security on the path to net zero, but warns much more needs to be done to ensure all Victorians maintain energy reliability and affordability.
The state government’s Waste to Energy – Bioenergy Fund will help support the local circular economy and recognises the important role of renewable gases, including biomethane, in the energy transition.
Major biomethane projects are already underway across Australia, including Jemena’s Malabar facility in NSW, which has begun turning the biowaste from Sydney’s wastewater into renewable gas that will provide enough carbon-neutral energy to fire up the gas stoves and BBQs of 15,000 households.
It comes as Victoria experienced one of the highest electricity peaks so far this winter, with demand surging at 6.30pm on a chilly Tuesday evening at the same time wind generation dropped to near zero.
Together, wind, solar and batteries accounted for just 1% of the total electricity supply at the peak.
APGA chief executive Steve Davies says electrifying gas demand, even with an assumption that electric appliances are four times more efficient, would nearly double the electricity demand during peaks – which was more than 70% dependent on coal and gas during Tuesday evening’s cold spell.
Instead, supporting renewable gases through programs such as the Bioenergy Fund will help provide simpler, more efficient, and more affordable pathways for households and industry to reduce emissions.
“Variable generation is by definition variable. Every Victorian knows, the coldest nights of the year are often the stillest, so it is imperative to build additional reliability into the system,” said Steve Davies.
“The Bioenergy Fund is a great place to start to support carbon-neutral gases but there is more to be done to unlock the potential of renewable gases such as biomethane and hydrogen so they can provide decarbonised energy to households and industry – and it begins with a Renewable Gas Target.”
“A Renewable Gas Target will help provide a timeline for households and industries to transition toward net zero using every tool at their disposal, whether that’s renewable electricity or gas.”
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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