Gas Energy Australia launches natural gas campaign

Gas Energy Australia’s CEO, Mike Carmody, has marked the start of a new campaign for cleaner, cheaper fuel, by calling for Australia to use more of its natural gas.

Gas Energy Australia is seeking community and industry feedback on its two draft consultation papers on LNG and CNG. The papers explore the current use of natural gas in Australia, the barriers to its uptake, the potential for increased use and the associated benefits.

LNG and CNG papers

One of the papers, Cleaner, Cheaper Australian fuels – a 2030 vision for domestic Liquefied Natural Gas, outlines a number of ambitious long-term goals and a ten-point plan for achieving them.

The other, Compressed Natural Gas Vehicles – driving prosperity, energy security and environmental advantage for Australia, calls for a joint effort between industry and government to increase the use of CNG as a transport fuel.

Carmody said establishing a supportive policy environment will encourage Australia’s agricultural, mining and manufacturing industries to use cleaner, cheaper gas instead of diesel.

Cleaner energy

He said: “LNG is around 25 to 30% less expensive than diesel, and trucks running on LNG and CNG produce up to 25% less greenhouse gas emissions than diesel-powered trucks.

“We want to bring the community up to speed on the benefits of increased use of natural gas– more affordable, less polluting fuel, more jobs including employment in niche manufacturing, improved fuel security and a stronger economy.

“Natural gas is Australia’s natural advantage – we are the world’s third largest LNG producer and our reserves are estimated to be equal to 184 years supply at current production rates.

“Shipping our gas overseas and increasing our dependence on foreign fuel by importing more expensive, more polluting oil for our own use doesn’t make sense.”

Reduce dependence on imported oil

Carmody explained that the goals outlined in Gas Energy Australia’s draft consultation papers provide ways to help guard against Australia becoming totally dependent on imported oil. These goals include:

• At least 25% of on-road heavy duty trucks powered by natural gas by 2030.
• At least 50% of off-road heavy duty trucks and machinery purchased from 2030 onwards be powered by natural gas.
• Australian trains being run on natural gas along 50% of routes by 2030.

“Natural gas is a viable competitor to diesel for road transport, yet most Australians don’t realise its potential. Our campaign aims to arm Australians with the facts on gas and allows them to petition for government action via the campaign website,” Carmody concluded.

The draft consultation papers for LNG and CNG are available at www.cleanercheaperfuels.com.au.

Adapted from press release by Katie Woodward

Read the article online at: https://www.lngindustry.com/small-scale-lng/11112014/gas-energy-australia-launches-clean-fuel-campaign-1769/