The South Australian Government’s recently released energy plan, which includes the construction of a new 250MW gas-fired power plant, highlights the importance of natural gas in smoothing Australia’s move to a low-emissions energy future.
APPEA South Australian Director, Matthew Doman, said, “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.
“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.
Mr Doman said South Australia desperately needs new economic opportunities as well as new sources of reliable energy and believe 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,” Mr Doman said.
