Grattan Institute Calls for Ban on New Home Gas Connections in Australia

reneweconomy.com.au

by clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 points

A new report from the Grattan Institute argues that Australia must accelerate its exit from gas to meet net zero targets by 2050. The think tank suggests banning new household gas connections and implementing a windfall profit tax on the LNG export industry to drive decarbonization. With domestic gas demand peaking in 2020, the report highlights the risk of a network death spiral. It recommends transitioning homeowners to electric appliances and shifting remaining gas users to LPG to avoid cross-subsidizing a shrinking customer base.

3 comments

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

The gap between the government strategy and actual climate targets is glaring. Relying on carbon capture and removals at a scale that does not exist yet is a policy gamble, not a plan.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Banning connections is one thing, but the real hurdle is the cost of swapping out old boilers and stoves in rentals. Without specific grants for landlords, the transition will stall.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

Moving everyone to electric increases peak load on the distribution grid. Does the report address the actual transformer capacity in older suburbs, or is it just focusing on the gas pipes?

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Basically, Australia is seeing a natural decline in gas use, but the Grattan Institute says we need to push harder with bans and taxes to avoid getting stuck with expensive, dying infrastructure.