File photo. Photo: 123RF
A gas industry player is promoting the development of a renewable gas sector as part of the mix of energy options available to reduce carbon emissions.
GasNZ chief executive Janet Carson said the government's just released Gas Transition Plan Issues Paper provided the strongest signal yet that government sees gas as key to the energy transition.
The paper focuses on how natural gas and LPG can support the wider energy transition.
"The more energy options we have, the better for consumers and communities," Carson said.
"Developing the renewable gas sector will give the two million Kiwis who directly rely on gas every day the reassurance that their fuel of choice will continue to be available - providing all the benefits of gas, while also helping to reduce our carbon emissions."
She said there was significant opportunity for growth of the renewable gas sector, referring to Ecogas and Firstgas Group's collaboration on biomethane project, as well as significant developments in Australia.
GasNZ recently hosted a renewable gas tour of Australia to see the range of hydrogen and biogas projects being undertaken in Australia, including the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group's (AGIG) renewable hydrogen development that delivers a five percent renewable gas blend to more than 4000 gas customers in Adelaide's south in the suburbs of Mitchell Park.
"Let's talk seriously about the future of gas and what it will take to get some serious investment in hydrogen gas and in biomethane. And let's ask Kiwis what they think," she said adding that gas was a reliable backup to hydro.
"Our electricity system also depends on it to cover the gaps in electricity generation when hydro storage is low, the sun's not shining and the wind's not blowing."