A lot of information has been published this year around the future of electricity generation from gas and the energy roadmap to zero emissions. This all has an impact on the public’s ability to cool and heat their homes in peak periods of energy demand. Gas has a future, and it is sustainable with the emergence of hydrogen. It will be impossible to switch off gas in next 15 years plus, as Australia will transition to Green Hydrogen or Bio-Methane or both. Reducing emissions and avoiding brown-outs in the immediate future can only be achieved with a measured and planned transition, using natural gas, as seen in leading markets such as Germany.
Dr Alan Finkel AC is a neuroscientist, engineer and entrepreneur. He was Australia’s Chief Scientist from 2016 to 2020, during which time he led the National Electricity Market Review, the development of the National Hydrogen Strategy, and the panel that advised the Australian Government on the 2020 Low Emissions Technology Roadmap.
As Special Adviser to the Australian Government on Low Emissions Technologies he led the development of the 2021 Low Emissions Technology Statement and brokered bilateral low emissions technology partnerships between Australia and each of seven key countries. In 2022 he chaired the Steering Committee for the Australian Government-hosted Sydney Energy Forum. He is currently Chair of Stile Education and a corporate adviser on climate change technologies.