14 Mar 2017
The oil and gas industry has welcomed the South Australian Government’s recognition of the key role natural gas has in meeting the state’s ongoing energy needs.
APPEA SA Director Matthew Doman said the Government’s new energy plan unveiled today highlighted the importance of natural gas in smoothing Australia’s move to a low-emissions energy future.
“The State Government has taken decisive action to ensure natural gas is once again playing a major role in meeting the energy needs of South Australia,” Mr Doman said.
“Today’s announcement to develop more gas-fired generation and encourage more local gas production will help secure reliable, affordable energy for South Australian homes, businesses and industry.
“Natural gas has traditionally supplied the bulk of SA’s energy needs, but in recent years that has been reduced by the increased contribution of subsidised renewables and a reliance on the interconnection to Victorian brown coal-fired power.
“South Australia desperately needs new economic opportunities as well as new sources of reliable energy.
“Onshore gas development can deliver both.
“APPEA welcomes the additional incentives for natural gas exploration and development, which will in turn enable more gas-fired electricity to make our power supply more reliable.
“APPEA urges the government to continue to work cooperatively through the COAG system, and encourages other states to consider the measures SA has embraced to secure reliable, affordable and cleaner energy from natural gas.”
See also: PACE program to to boost SA gas supply Download PDF
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