Victoria’s gas decarbonisation imperative 

On Wednesday 12 October, the Committee, with its partners Arup and Infrastructure Victoria, hosted an event on Victoria’s gas decarbonisation imperative.

With over 2 million residential, commercial, and industrial gas customers throughout the state, our reliance on natural gas is unmatched in Australia. Victoria must end its reliance on natural gas to achieve the legislated target of net zero emissions by 2050.

“As Victoria strives for net zero emissions by mid-century, decarbonising the gas sector will be as crucial as it is complex,” says Mark Melvin, CEO, Committee for Melbourne.

The Committee’s members were provided with a substantive outline of the pathway towards gas decarbonisation with Infrastructure Victoria CEO, Dr Jonathan Spear, unpacking the findings from its report, Towards 2050: Gas infrastructure in a net zero emissions economy. His presentation addressed the nature and timing of decisions the Victorian Government should take to decarbonise the gas sector, including immediate action to support proven, low carbon solutions like targeted electrification and energy efficiency measures.

A panel discussion moderated by Leanne Edwards, Policy Director, Committee for Melbourne, followed the presentation. Arup’s Australasian Hydrogen Leader, Patrick Gorr, and Deloitte’s Director of Energy Transition, Liz Boylan joined Dr Spear on the panel.

The lively Q&A session included robust discussion about the options of moving towards full electrification or placing an emphasis on decarbonised gas products as a concurrent way to decarbonise our energy systems. The debate around the timing for decision-making, demonstrated just how complex this issue is.

This event was held at Arup‘s bright, modern offices.

For more information contact Leanne Edwards, Director, Policy & Advocacy.