Natural gas is important to Australian households and businesses now and in the future, as we transition to cleaner energy solutions. Over 6.5 million Australian homes and businesses use gas every day, accounting for 44% of all household energy usage.
Natural gas emits up to 50% less carbon than coal powered electricity, and although more efficient and reliable than many other energy sources, it is sourced from fossil fuels.
It's time to embrace renewable gas as part of our energy mix, so Australians can keep using the gas supply they love while reducing their environmental footprint.
Jemena is helping to pioneer the future of gas, with renewable gas projects to help NSW emissions halve by 2030.
Our Energy Challenge
Australia’s energy system is ageing and still largely reliant on fossil fuels. Governments, industry, and customers are looking for cost-effective renewable energy. Renewable gas will help our economy decarbonise, meet climate targets and protect the planet from the impacts of carbon emissions.
Using our gas networks to lower energy emissions can complement continued growth in renewable electricity and deliver more cost effective options for consumers and businesses.
To decarbonise as soon as possible, Australia can establish a more diverse energy mix and provide homes with practical and cost-effective ways to reduce their carbon emissions.
The Australian Government is investing $1.2 billion in the National Hydrogen Strategy, aiming to position Australia as a major player in the industry by 2030
The NSW government has pledged $3 billion towards Green Hydrogen production, expecting to attract $80 billion of investment by 2050
ARENA has developed the Bioenergy Roadmap, which identifies that by 2030 Australia’s bioenergy sector could contribute around $10bn in extra GDP per year, create over 26,000 jobs, reduce emissions by around 9%, divert an extra 6% of waste from landfill, and enhance energy and fuel security.
Our Energy Future
Renewable gas is set to transform Australia’s energy landscape.
Retaining customer choice
Renewable gas allows millions of current customers to use existing appliances for cooking, heating and hot water. They can reduce household carbon emissions while keeping gas available as a reliable energy option, alongside other renewables like solar.
Reaching emissions targets sooner
To reach NSW emissions targets, energy solutions must be implemented quickly and ideally without too much disruption to homes and businesses. Renewable gas can help to quickly decarbonise a significant part of the energy landscape without expensive or unnecessary lifestyle and infrastructure changes. This means Australians can keep using the gas supply they love for heating, cooking and hot water, while reducing household emissions.
Using existing infrastructure to support renewables
Renewable gas can take advantage of existing network infrastructure. The gas pipeline networks across Australia can store renewable gas alongside existing natural gas, just like energy stored in a battery. This stored energy can be used to complement and support renewable electricity.
Building a circular economy
The circular economy reduces environmental impact and waste. The reuse of waste products in the economy reduces the need to extract new resources from the environment. As Biomethane is produced from organic waste products, it redirects methane emissions away from the atmosphere and displaces natural gas sourced from fossil fuels. A biomethane industry could also boost farming and regional job opportunities.
Creating jobs
As the renewable gas industry grows, it has the potential to become a major employer. The creation of more jobs and exposure to advanced technologies can help answer many industry problems, from agriculture and logistics to transportation and manufacturing. The jobs are also likely to be spread across Australia, especially in regional areas, creating widespread and much needed employment opportunities outside of the major cities.
Turning transport green
Green hydrogen is also sparking innovation in transport, powering fuel-cell electric vehicles. These new vehicles have a zero carbon footprint and can travel further without needing to refuel or recharge as often.