Greater use of Australian gaseous fuels would deliver more control over our future and budget savings
23 January 2017
A Budget submission to the Turnbull Government from Australia's peak body for downstream gaseous fuels, says these fuels can be part of the solution to deliver energy security, reduce emissions and support cleaner air while offering modest budget savings.
Gas Energy Australia Chief Executive John Griffiths said the GEA Budget Submission points to steps that could be taken to ensure gas can help Australia transition to a lower emissions future, while delivering energy security and supporting jobs in manufacturing.
"Our submission welcomes the Federal Government's leadership on increasing gas supplies but also calls for more specific Federal and State action because gaseous fuels are not only better for the environment, but also sustain a range of current manufacturing and future technology jobs" Mr Griffiths said.
"We welcomed the comment from Minister Frydenberg that "gas plays an important role as a transition fuel as we move to a lower emissions economy" and now we want to the see the Government take policy decisions to reflect that comment."
"Not only does gas have an essential role to play in emissions reduction, but it also has a role to play in reliably delivering power and goods to regional and remote areas. It makes no sense for Australia to be fully dependent on imported, dirtier and more expensive oil-based fuels for off-grid power generation and transport energy."
"With recent electricity disruptions and shortages in South Australia and Tasmania, now is the time for governments to act to promote diversification into other energy sources."
"And that means ensuring that all low emission technologies are included in 'green schemes' not just renewables so emissions can be cut and energy security restored."
The key things our submission calls for are:
- Ensuring ALL carbon abatement policies and programs are genuinely technology neutral rather than supporting only largely imported renewable technologies;
* Supporting innovation and development of Australian low emission gas technologies, truly cutting our emissions and supporting niche manufacturing jobs;
* Strengthening Australia's energy security with a more diverse range of low emission energy sources, including gas as a distributed energy source which is likely to be much cheaper than the estimated $3.5 billion for new electricity network interconnectors to SA and Tasmania;
* Fulfilling the Coalition's commitment to restore the rate of taxation on gaseous transport fuels to no more than 50 per cent of the diesel equivalent level; and
* Not cross-subsidising fixed pipelines at significant expense to taxpayers and consumers, when virtual pipelines already exist and can do the job more cheaply.
The overall budget impact of the proposals is our submission is a modest budget saving.
The full submission can found at gasenergyaustralia.asn.au/reports-and-submissions/industry-submissions/] and more information about the 2030 Vision for Cleaner, Cheaper Australian fuels is at www.cleanercheaperfuels.com.au.
Media contact: John Griffiths 0439 344 622
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