Killing off gas low-hanging fruit for climate goals
Australia’s most populous state could cut gas use by more than 50 per cent by 2035 if economy-wide reductions in the expensive, emissions-intensive fuel are sustained.
Modeling commissioned by Lock the Gate found commercially available technologies could reduce NSW gas use by three-quarters.
The anti-fossil fuel organization has joined forces with environmental groups, unions, health experts and community organizations to call for a comprehensive gas reduction strategy from the state government.
The alliance recommended phasing out gas hookups in new homes, rapid cuts in low-heat generation, and statewide gas reduction targets to help the state wean itself off the fuel faster.
Gas use is expensive and has implications for NSW’s climate commitment to reach net zero by 2050.
According to a Springmount Advisory report, NSW gas prices have risen almost 277 per cent since 2011, putting pressure on producers and contributing to higher electricity prices.
Burning gas at home can also be harmful to your health; gas stoves are linked to childhood asthma.
The coalition, including Doctors for the Environment Australia, the Australian Manufacturing Workers Union of NSW and ACT and the Nature Conservancy Council of NSW, says the update to the state’s Net Zero Plan should include an economy-wide gas plan.
The alliance wants new gas connections to be phased out, starting with apartments, a step already taken by the Victorian and ACT governments and some NSW councils.
While movement in home and small business electrification is expected in the upcoming Gas Decarbonization Roadmap, industrial use has received less attention.
Electrification in steel, glass, brick and cement production still faces high costs, but gas-free opportunities exist for low-temperature processes, including food and paper.
An electrification target for low-temperature generation and supporting policies have been proposed to prevent industry shutdowns and maintain limited gas supplies for sectors that need more time to develop alternatives.
The report noted that gas use was already in a structural decline, falling by 17 percent since 2020; This suggested that official targets would accelerate the current trend.
Australia’s Associated Press is the beating heart of Australian news. AAP is Australia’s only independent national news channel and has been providing accurate, reliable and fast-paced news content to the media industry, government and corporate sector for 85 years. We inform Australia.
