2024-05-09 07:17:35
Australia, one of the world’s biggest mining powers, announced on Thursday that it plans to use natural gas beyond 2050, saying its reliance on this fossil energy will not prevent it from reaching net zero emissions in the next 30 years.
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The minister responsible for this sector, Madeleine King, declared that gas “will remain an important source of energy” in Australia, sparking anger among environmentalists who saw it as a “disaster” for the climate.
“Gas is needed by 2050 and beyond” and will support the economy and provide stability to the nation’s power grid as the use of renewable energy increases, King said.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese defended the strategy on Thursday, saying it would not jeopardize Australia’s climate commitments.
“It is consistent with our long-held position, my government is committed to a net zero emissions future,” he told a news conference.
“Producing electricity from gas is something that favors renewable (energy).”
Environmental groups have discredited the project. For Jennifer Rayner of the Australian organization Climate Council, Canberra must make a choice between gas and renewable energy.
“He can’t (choose) both,” she said. “More gas is a poor bet that moves towards a secure climate future and a thriving clean economy.”
Gavan McFadzean, spokesperson for the Australian Conservation Foundation, says the government’s plan is a “disaster” for the climate and should be abandoned.
“Gas is an extremely polluting fossil fuel whose combustion supercharges bushfires, coral bleaching and flooding in Australia and around the world,” he replied.
“Replacing one fossil fuel with another does not constitute a transition to clean energy.”
Australia will continue to supply gas overseas under this plan, which also requires the exploration and exploitation of new gas fields.
Exports of liquefied natural gas brought in around €56 billion to Australia in 2023, according to government data. Gas also accounts for nearly a third of the oceanic nation’s energy consumption, compared to around 8.9% for renewables.
Canberra has committed to reaching net zero emissions by 2050, and in April outlined an investment plan for green energy.
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