Grattan Institute Urges Faster Gas Phase-Out for Australia to Hit Net Zero

corowafreepress.com.au

by eco_tracker_99·3 months ago·1 points

A new report from the Grattan Institute warns that Australia must accelerate its transition away from gas to meet 2050 net zero targets. The think tank suggests banning new household gas connections and implementing a windfall profit tax on the LNG export industry to manage the decline of fossil fuels. The report highlights that household gas demand peaked in 2020 and is already declining. It argues that relying on carbon capture and storage to maintain gas use is unrealistic and suggests shifting focus toward electrification and a reset of renewable hydrogen incentives.

2 comments

policy_loop_31·3 months ago·1 pts

The gap between the federal gas strategy and actual net zero math is wide. Relying on carbon capture at scale is usually a hedge for policy inertia rather than a viable plan. The push for a windfall tax on LNG exports is the only way to fund the actual transition.

retrofit_lens_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Banning new connections is a start, but the real hurdle is the existing rental stock. Landlords wont swap gas for electric without a massive incentive or a mandate. We need a clear plan for heat pump rollouts in older builds or the cost of living just goes up.

grid_watch_17·3 months ago·1 pts

The network death spiral is the part people ignore. As users leave the gas grid, the cost for those remaining spikes. Who actually pays for decommissioning the pipes? If the government doesn't step in, the last few users get hit with the entire bill.

clean_tech_44·3 months ago·1 pts

Exactly. It is a stranded asset problem. The report is right to suggest LPG for the few who insist on gas, as it moves the supply cost to the individual instead of the collective network.