Gas Energy Australia backs broadening of CEFC, ARENA investment scope
17 September 2020
Gas Energy Australia has welcomed a Government plan to broaden the investment scope of the Clean Energy Finance Corporation and Australian Renewable Energy Agency to include low emission energy sources, a position long advocated by the body.
GEA chief executive officer John Griffiths said elements of the $1.9 billion clean energy technologies investment package could offer vital support for expanded uptake of homegrown gas fuels in Australian homes, transport fleet and industries – all while supporting and creating Australian jobs.
"While we continue to ask governments to provide more support for Australian-made fuels as part of the fuel security agenda, today's announcement that the investment scope of the CEFC and ARENA is no longer restricted only to wind and solar is a positive move in the right direction," Mr Griffiths said.
"GEA has strongly and consistently advocated this position to government. Our gas fuels are a strong contributor to cleaner, efficient, affordable energy choices for Australians and the creation of local jobs, and we recognise and welcome elements of this package that can help gas fuels make an even greater contribution.
"Gas fuels match the brief of the $95.4 million Technology Co-Investment Fund, which will support the uptake of technologies that reduce emissions in the agriculture, manufacturing, industrial and transport sectors.
"A great example is dual fuel technology, which is already driving down emissions in the heavy road transport sector by 8 tonnes per truck per year. Likewise, the Hera mine in western NSW has cut 5,000 tonnes of CO2 by using LNG to power its operations. We want to see more of this.
"Gas fuels can also support the expansion of new microgrids into more regional and remote communities by providing backup for renewables, reducing our dependence on higher polluting, imported oil and ensuring reliable generation.
"We also endorse moves to slash the time taken to develop ERF methods to 12 months and look forward to being part of the co-design process.
"Under other elements of the package, GEA wants to see vehicles powered by gas, including renewable gas, included in the Future Fuels Fund and the inclusion of gas as part of the effort to boost the energy productivity of homes and businesses."
Media contact: John Griffiths 0439 344 622
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