Victorian Government Announcement To Fast Track New Gas Welcomed By Large Energy Users
Emily Wood | December 11, 2024
The Victorian Government commitment to fast tracking new gas supplies to support local manufacturing, heavy industry and peak power generation is welcomed by leading commercial and industrial energy user advocate, the Energy Users’ Association of Australia (EUAA).
“The Victorian Government’s Economic Statement that lays out a plan to bring new gas to market and to prioritise gas for industries that need it the most is long overdue but still welcomed news,” said EUAA Chief Executive Officer, Mr Andrew Richards.
“Along with the Renewable Gas Directions Paper, also released this week, that seeks to bring more gas alternatives to market in the longer term, we are beginning to see a glimmer of a brighter future for gas reliant industries.”
Gas is an essential energy source for many large manufacturers and food producers and has been harder, and much more expensive, to contract in recent years. This has led to extremely challenging conditions for many businesses, and in some cases, has led to business closures.
“Gas is critical for many large businesses and our transition to net zero, and with existing Victorian gas fields declining along with pipeline congestion, developing new local supplies is desperately needed. While we are starting from a long way behind, fast tracking new gas approvals provides some hope that we will have sufficient quantities of gas at affordable prices in the medium-term,” added Mr Richards.
EUAA members are some of the biggest energy consumers in the country. They are producers of essential goods and services used by the community every day and they produce essential goods and services for the transition to net zero as well.
“EUAA members take seriously their important role in reducing emissions. They are pouring money into research of alternative processes and potential fuels, investing in energy efficiency and new ways of operating their facilities, as well as in renewable energy projects. But in the short to medium term, gas is an essential input for many businesses and it cannot be replaced easily.”
“We congratulate the Allan Government for making a pragmatic and important step to support Victorian business,” said Mr Richards.
The EUAA is the peak body representing Australian industrial and commercial energy users. EUAA membership covers a broad cross section of the Australian economy including significant retail, manufacturing and materials processing industries. Combined EUAA members employ over one million Australians, pay annual energy bills in the many billions of dollars and support the development of a lasting national energy and climate change plan that puts downward pressure on electricity and gas costs.
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Media Contact: Emily Wood 0421 042 121
