Further mixing of hydrogen into the fuel community will assist South Australia decarbonise its vitality community, Premier Peter Malinauskas says.
The premier says the state authorities has no plans to observe Victoria’s transfer to ban fuel connections to new houses, although he hasn’t completely dominated out the thought.
“It’s not our policy as it stands,” he informed reporters on Monday.
“Decarbonisation of the gas network is another way of achieving the right outcome in terms of climate change without actually disconnecting gas networks or stopping connections in the future.
“That is not us ruling out change however we have got a variety of insurance policies that we’re pursuing in respect of hydrogen that assist us obtain these decarbonisation targets.”
A trial is under way in Adelaide, blending small amounts of hydrogen into the home gas supply, and Mr Malinauskas said he understood it was going well and showed potential for expansion.
His comments came after the Victorian government said all new homes built from 2024 would not be allowed to have gas connections.
The changes will help the state reach its goal of net-zero emissions by 2045, and save residents with all-electric homes about $1000 a year.
About 80 per cent of Victorian homes are connected to gas, with the sector contributing about 17 per cent of the state’s emissions.
The use of gas is smaller in SA, with a little more than 50 per cent of homes connected.
The Australian Pipelines and Gas Association criticised Victoria’s decision, saying the government should instead introduce renewable gas like hydrogen into the system.
Environmental groups welcomed the ban, but NSW also ruled out taking similar steps.
Mr Malinauskas stated the Victorian determination might end in extra of SA’s renewable vitality being exported to east coast markets in coming years.
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
