31 October 2022
With the Australian Government committed to reducing carbon dioxide emissions by 26-28 per cent below 2005 levels by 2030 under the Paris Agreement, what will the future of gas look like?
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More than 200,000 Queenslanders use natural gas to heat their homes, enjoy hot showers and cook tasty meals. It’s also relied on by many industries, used to generate electricity… the list goes on.
There’s no denying that natural gas is an important part of our energy mix.
Natural gas provides 44 per cent of Australian household energy, but only 13 per cent of household greenhouse gas emissions. But there’s still plenty more to be done.
That’s according to Kristin Raman, Acting Executive General Manager, Strategy and Sustainability at Australian Gas Networks (AGN), whose gas distribution pipelines transport natural gas to over two million homes and businesses across Australia.
“Blending or substituting natural gas with renewable gases such as green hydrogen or biomethane can decarbonise the gas sector and help achieve carbon reductions for the lowest cost,” Kristin says.
This is because renewable hydrogen doesn’t release any carbon emissions when burnt, only water and heat, and biomethane is net zero carbon. These are essentially just other gases that can replace or blended with natural gas to provide energy and heat.
One great aspect of transitioning to renewable gas is that it can be supplied using the same reliable infrastructure –gas networks.
“This means no impact on costs for builders, customers get to retain their choice of energy supply, and those industries relying on gas can continue to access it.”
The opportunity for Queensland-based developments will be identified following the demonstration phase of the hydrogen blending at AGN’s Hydrogen Park Gladstone (HyP Gladstone).
Following the success of Hydrogen Park South Australia, which came online in May 2021, and has been delivering up to a 5 per cent blend of renewable hydrogen with natural gas to 700 homes.
This project continues AGN’s hydrogen leadership, extending their renewable gas footprint into Queensland and delivering Australia's first whole gas network decarbonisation project with volumes up to 10 per cent renewable gas.
Supported by the Queensland Government with grant funding from the Hydrogen Industry Development Fund, HyP Gladstone is an important first step in the development of a sustainable renewable hydrogen economy as supported by the Queensland Hydrogen Industry Strategy 2019-2024.
The ongoing success of these green gas projects leaves Kristin upbeat.
“This means we can continue to offer customers the choice of gas appliances in their home or business, knowing that there is a pathway to achieve zero carbon.”
Contact AGN
Renewable gas – we’re changing gas, for good. Renewable gases (such as green hydrogen) provide all the great benefits of natural gas but have zero carbon emissions. Learn more about AGN’s decarbonisation journey at australiangasnetworks.com.au.
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