Time for a national discussion on gas

With the release of its Gas Transition Plan Issues Paper this month, the Government has provided the strongest signal yet that it sees gas as key to the energy transition.

Government suggests in the paper that natural gas and LPG will be required for some years yet and that while it was unlikely that a complete transition to biogas for the gas sector could be achieved in the medium term, smaller volumes of biogas and hydrogen blended in the network could be feasible in the short-term.

GasNZ chief executive, Janet Carson, says the paper provides the impetus for a national discussion on gas.

“Let’s talk seriously about the future of gas and what it will take to get some serious investment in hydrogen gas and in biomethane. And let’s ask Kiwis what they think.

“Kiwis love gas - from continuous hot water, warm homes, cooking and barbecuing – it is hard to imagine life in Aotearoa without it.

“Our electricity system also depends on it to cover the gaps in electricity generation when hydro storage is low, the sun’s not shining and the wind’s not blowing.

Referring to the Ecogas and Firstgas Group collaboration in Reporoa, Carson notes that with a single biomethane project currently underway in New Zealand, there is significant opportunity for growth of the renewable gas sector.

Australians are tapping into the bioenergy opportunity with around 240 biogas plants already operating.

“If you’re decarbonising energy, why wouldn’t you use the billion-dollar infrastructure you already have to help. The issues paper recognises the sense this makes.

“We congratulate the Government for putting the paper out there, now we need to take that discussion to marae, restaurants, and hotels, and every New Zealander that depends on gas.

“Developing the renewable gas sector will give the two million Kiwis who directly rely on gas every day reassurance that their fuel of choice will continue to be available – providing all the benefits of gas, while also helping to reduce our carbon emissions.

“The final Gas Transition Plan will have a profound effect on New Zealand’s future and a smooth transition to a net zero emission economy will ensure reliable and affordable forms of energy are available to consumers, and the flexibility to choose.

“I think Kiwis are really going to like this. So, let’s let them tell us what they think.

“The paper recognises that the transition challenge is not exclusively about reducing emissions but about the evolving role of natural gas and LPG in supporting the wider energy transition.

“The more energy options we have, the better for consumers and communities. Let’s make sure gas, in its many forms, is one of those options.”

See the paper here.