Future Gas Strategy A Pragmatic Step Towards A Sustainable Low Carbon Future
Emily Wood | May 9, 2024
Energy users welcome today’s announcement from the Federal Government signalling a Future Gas Strategy that is pragmatic in its approach to future energy and considers the needs of the country and the community as we transition to a zero-emission future.
“We welcome the Future Gas Strategy,” said Energy Users’ Association of Australia (EUAA) Chief Executive Officer, Andrew Richards. “Gas is a critical fuel used in the manufacture of essential goods and services, as well as being a fundamental part of the strategy to transition to increasing levels of Variable Renewable Energy (VRE) in our electricity system.”
“We need a comprehensive plan to ensure we can extract more gas for domestic purposes from a broader group of producers, so we can improve competition and deliver lower cost energy for Australian households and business.”
The EUAA has been advocating for action in gas markets for a number of years. At the organisation’s recent National Conference, a number of large users lamented the challenges they still face in contracting large volumes of gas at reasonable prices.
“EUAA policy has, for a number of years, advocated for ‘use it or lose it’ provisions to be put in place and we welcome the announcement from the Federal Government that this will be implemented as part of the Future of Gas Strategy.”
Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO) Integrated System Plan (ISP) has highlighted the important need for gas in our electricity system, noting that 16GW of gas fired peaking plants will be an important part of the transition.
“For homes and businesses that can electrify, they should be encouraged to do so but that option isn’t available to everyone. It is important to understand that much of our industry is hard to abate and hard to electrify so pragmatic approaches to energy are required.”
“We look forward to working with the Federal Government on the detail of their Future Gas Strategy and its implementation,” added 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
