Albany residents could be cooking with recycled gas harvested from a waste disposal facility, pending the outcome of a feasibility study supported by the McGowan Government.
Global energy provider ATCO will undertake a $70,000 study into the renewable gas proposal, supported by a $20,000 State Government investment through the Great Southern Development Commission.
The study will examine a proposal to harvest natural gas from the North Bannister Waste Facility, south of Perth, and transport it by road to Albany.
Gas users in Albany currently rely on road transport from Perth for non-renewable gas delivered through the local reticulated network.
If proven viable, conversion of the reticulated network to waste facility gas could make Albany the first Australian city to be completely supplied by renewable natural gas.
As stated by Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan:
“Albany residents take pride in their wind farm’s contribution to Western Australia’s renewable energy position and they would love to know if the same could be said of their gas for cooking and heating.
“Through our Renewable Hydrogen Strategy and other initiatives, the McGowan Government is exploring a range of options to develop a strong position for Western Australia in the renewable energy sector.
“The prospect of recycled natural gas for Albany would complement these endeavours.”
As stated by ATCO Australia Managing Director and Chief Operating Officer Pat Creaghan:
“It’s an exciting time to be involved in renewable energy in Western Australia, and we look forward to working with the team at the Great Southern Development Commission to create an ongoing, sustainable energy source for the people of Albany.
“In addition to green hydrogen, the use of recycled – or ‘renewable’ – natural gas across Australia within existing natural gas networks is an excellent way to lower emissions, and to capture energy that would otherwise not be utilised.”
