The government released the Technology Investment Roadmap Discussion Paper last month with a goal to “bring a strategic and system-wide view to future investments in low emissions technologies”.
In its response to the paper, Jemena said renewable gases could keep the economy strong and energy costs affordable.
“The Technology Investment Roadmap is an opportunity to focus on reducing emissions and identifying job and investment opportunities to ensure Australia is a world leader in renewable energy,” said Jemena Executive General Manager of Gas Distribution Dr Jennifer Purdie.
“We welcome the opportunity to contribute to the report and to outline how renewable gases such as hydrogen and bioenergy can support the strategic plan as well as address the energy trilemma of reliability, affordability and sustainability.”
In May, Jemena put forward the notion of a national green certification program for renewable gas, where customers could purchase verified zero emission gas, which is currently possible for renewable electricity.
Dr Purdie said the best way to support Australia’s transition to these energy sources was to keep costs down for customers.
“There is a ready market for renewable gas and we are confident that through raising awareness, unlocking seed funding and incentivising market-scale projects, Australia can transition to a lower carbon future,” said Dr Purdie.
“Renewable gas is environmentally friendly, cost efficient, and has a role to play in lowering emissions in sectors such as heavy transport, manufacturing and gas networks.
“The Jemena Gas Network delivers natural gas to 1.4 million people in New South Wales.
“This existing infrastructure could be repurposed to support zero-carbon gases such as biomethane and hydrogen.
“This would be cheaper than adapting the electricity system to handle this load.”
Jemena is currently completing its $15 million trial program, the Western Sydney Green Gas project, which will use NSW’s first electrolyser to generate enough hydrogen to power approximately 250 homes.
For more information visit the Jemena website.
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