Climate Change Impacts

Natural gas is the fastest growing fossil fuel and is the only conventional energy source that can underpin Australia’s transition to a low carbon economy during the next 20 years.

Natural gas is the cleanest burning fossil fuel, producing about half the greenhouse emissions compared to coal and uses proven, readily available technology. It can also be cost-effectively substituted for coal in power generation.

There is a potential for a demand growth in domestic gas over the 2025-30 period, this can provide the opportunity to develop gas supply, through industrial demand projects that have a projected long operational life. While the growth may seem counter intuitive to net zero emissions by 2050, the development of new gas supply contributes overall to the reduction in emission intensity in the WA economy. It does this by reducing the demand for coal, encouraging renewable energy growth and supporting associated jobs within the gas industry.

Natural gas is also a key component of hydrogen fuel cells –a promising technology for use as a source of heat and electricity for buildings, and to power electric vehicles.

The DomGas Alliance is conscious of the need to transition into clean energy forms. It is currently engaging and working with stakeholders to outline the role of gas in both current and future markets as well as viable forms of clean renewable energy. The WA gas industry is committed to a cleaner energy future and will continue to work with the State Government and stakeholders to reduce the greenhouse gas emissions in line with national targets.