The Victorian Government is seeking feedback from industry, businesses and the community about ways to reduce our reliance on natural gas, including more sustainable options like renewable hydrogen, biogas and electrification.

Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio today launched the Gas Substitution Roadmap consultation paper, which sets out options to reduce emissions from gas use to help halve the state’s carbon emissions by 2030 and reach net zero emissions by 2050.

The gas sector currently contributes almost 16 per cent of Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions. More than two million Victorian households and businesses use natural gas for heating, cooking and hot water – the highest natural gas usage in Australia. Gas also plays a critical role in Victorian manufacturing and industry.

Victoria has a wide range of options to reduce its reliance on natural gas and meet its net zero goals, such as switching gas appliances to electricity, improving energy efficiency and accelerating the use of alternative gases like renewable hydrogen and biogas.

The Roadmap, which will be released later this year, will outline the Government’s plan to decarbonise the gas sector while ensuring Victorians have access to an affordable, secure, reliable, and safe supply of energy.

It will identify policies and programs to reduce the use of natural gas, reduce fugitive emissions which result from leaks, venting and flaring of gas and help inform long-term planning and investment decisions for gas use in Victorian homes and businesses.

Community members, business and industry are encouraged to read the consultation paper and have their say on the challenges and opportunities as Victoria transitions its energy to more renewable sources and ensures it is on track to meet its emission reduction targets.

To give feedback on the Roadmap visit engage.vic.gov.au/help-us-build-victorias-gas-substitution-roadmap.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio

“This is an opportunity for Victorians to have a say on how we transition from natural gas to more renewable energy sources. We want to hear from everyone – from the smallest Victorian household to our largest industrial players.”

“This is just one of the ways we are making sure we are on track to halve Victoria’s emissions by 2030.”

”We’re ensuring a smooth transition to a clean energy future while protecting key industries so our energy supply is reliable, sustainable and affordable.”