The Rockliff Liberal Government is setting a future direction for gas for the next 20-30 years with the new Tasmanian Future Gas Strategy in response to significant shifts taking place in world energy markets,
Minister for Energy and Renewables, Nick Duigan, said that as the world transitioned to cleaner, renewable forms of energy to meet ambitious climate targets there was potential for some energy users to be left behind.
“The Future Gas Strategy provides much needed direction to Tasmanian gas users,” Minister Duigan said.
“We recognise that Tasmania’s gas network will decarbonise and we are committed to ensuring the supply of secure and affordable energy throughout this transition.
“By making the Government’s vision clear, households, businesses and industry are better placed to make sensible decisions about their future energy use at a time when the industry is facing a period of uncertainty.
“Natural gas must remain available to Tasmanian users while renewable alternatives mature and a premature departure from natural gas could undermine economic growth and force users back to dirtier fuels.
“Our plan is based on an industry-led transition away from fossil gas and towards renewable alternatives such as green hydrogen, bioenergy gases such as methane and synthetic renewable gases.
“Under this strategy we will support future industries like hydrogen and bioenergy that capitalise on Tasmania’s unparalleled wind, water and biomass resources, building on our existing $50 million investment to activate Tasmania’s green hydrogen industry.
“Adding to the overall benefit to our state, locally-made renewables gases will support local jobs, increase energy security and drive down emissions.
Minister Duigan said that with this strategy in place and building on the steps we are already taking, Tasmania is supporting customer choice and encouraging investment as we transition to a stronger, more secure and cleaner energy system.
