Energy Networks Australia has reminded us of its vision for gas in Australia to 2050, saying gas is essential to our economy and modern lifestyles. And, as research and trials surrounding hydrogen’s potential heat up, it’s important to reiterate hydrogen can be produced from excess renewable energy and injected into gas networks, or stored for later use.
The Gas Vision 2020 report argues that the gas sector is well-placed to provide reliable and secure energy and cost-effective carbon reduction from across the entire economy via the deployment of three transformational technologies: biogas, carbon capture and storage, and hydrogen.
“The conversion to hydrogen networks is driven by the need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions,” Energy Networks says.
“While direct use of natural gas already has one-quarter to one-sixth the emissions of grid based electricity in coal-powered states, in the longer-term, even those emissions may need to reduce.
“Initially, carbon reductions may be achieved by blending biogas with methane in existing plastic natural gas distribution networks.
“Further emissions reductions could occur by increasing the proportion of biogas or blending with hydrogen in networks resulting in a mixture of natural gas, biogas and hydrogen.
“Whether it’s for hot water, domestic heating, or gas-fired cooking, gas plays a central role in the lives of over 6.5 million Australian households.”
“Gas also plays an important role in our economy with approximately 130,000 commercial businesses relying on gas.
“Our vision is for Australia to turn its gas resources into products and services that will enhance national prosperity while achieving carbon neutrality.”
The report also details the gas industry’s preferred policy settings. These include Australia contributing fairly to the global reductions of greenhouse gas emissions, ensuring security across the energy system by considering renewables, electricity and gas as a single energy system, and avoiding unnecessary regulation or placing unwarranted restrictions on the development of industry.
To read the full report, click here.
Keep an eye out for the next issue of Energy Source & Distribution, which looks into clean hydrogen technology.
