The role of renewable gas in decarbonisation

Natural gas is a large contributor to Australia’s greenhouse gas emissions. Generally, switching appliances from gas to renewable electricity is considered an efficient way to reduce emissions. However, electrification is not always available or possible, especially in industrial processes such as steel making.

Renewable gases are made from renewable energy sources like agricultural waste, food waste, wastewater or renewable electricity and can have significantly lower emissions compared to fossil natural gas.

We see a role for renewable gas to be used in industrial processes and chemical feedstocks to replace fossil fuel natural gas. Renewable gas also allows existing large gas equipment to operate until its end of life, for example public swimming pool heaters that use gas. At the end of life, the equipment can then be replaced with an electric or other low-emissions alternative.

We recommend that gas users look at all decarbonisation options before deciding to continue using gas, even if it includes renewable gas certificates.