The Australian Pipeline and Gas Association (APGA) supports the Federal Government’s proposal to reform the Safeguard Mechanism, including the inclusion of a robust and transparent Safeguard Mechanism Credit scheme which will help Australia reach its emission reduction targets faster.
Today, Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen unveiled the Federal Government’s proposed changes to the Safeguard Mechanism, which is forecast to deliver approximately 205MT of carbon abatement by 2030.
APGA chief executive Steve Davies says Tuesday’s announcement, in tandem with the release of the Independent Review into Australian Carbon Credit Units earlier this week, are positive steps that will help unlock the domestic renewable gas market.
“The gas infrastructure industry has already begun major works as part of its commitment to Net Zero, including upgrades to pipelines and networks to help eliminate fugitive emissions and prepare them for the next generation of zero emissions renewable gases,” Mr Davies said.
“We are continuing to work closely with federal and state governments to move toward carbon-neutral infrastructure and further these abatement programs.”
“The continued development of a renewable gas market will be a vital step in Australia’s decarbonisation journey and will help ensure long-term energy security for households and industry while also providing major opportunities to deliver early emission reductions through the implementation of a Renewable Gas Target.”
Additionally, as part of today’s position paper on the Safeguard Mechanism, the APGA welcomes the proposed Safeguard Mechanism Credit scheme.
“The establishment of this credit and trading scheme alongside the recommendation for a proponent-led method development model within the ERF is necessary to enable least cost emissions reduction across the Safeguard Mechanism as a whole,” Mr Davies said.
“The tradeable Safeguard Mechanism Credits will help Australian businesses work together and encourage economic growth while providing simpler emission abatement pathways.”
Suburbs in Sydney, Adelaide and Perth are already using a blend of hydrogen gas in their networks and is set to expand considerably with continued encouragement from Federal and state governments.
Similarly, biomethane offers the most technically simple and cost-effective early emission reduction opportunity and is readily usable in existing gas pipelines and networks.
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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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
Government Relations Manager
0422 247 750
ppurcell@apga.org.au
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