The government claims that dependence on gas will not prevent the country from fulfilling its promises to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to net zero by 2050.
Resources Minister Madeleine King says gas “will continue to be an important source of energy” in Australia.
“Gas plays a key role in supporting our economy,” King said. She argues that gas must be used to stabilize the country’s power grid while stepping up renewable production.
Alongside the 2050 promise, the government has recently put forward plans for huge investments in green energy, and Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is defending the gas strategy.
– It is consistent with our long-term attitude, my government is committed to a future with net zero emissions, says Albanese.
In line with the gas plan, Australia will also continue to send gas through submarine cables. This accounts for around 14 per cent of the country’s export earnings.
The article continues below the adThe article continues below the ad
The plan is met with strong criticism from climate groups. Spokesman Gavan McFadzean for the Australian Conservation Foundation refers to it as a “climate disaster”, and says the government must change course.
– Gas is a highly polluted fossil fuel, and its burning greatly worsens forest fires, heat waves, coral bleaching and floods in Australia and around the world, he says.
