- Will gas appliances be banned?
- Is gas being phased out in Australia?
- Does Canberra have natural gas?
- Are gas stoves being phased out?
If you would like to get a better understanding of whether gas appliances will and should be banned in Australia, you can read the Submission to the Enquiry into Renewable Energy Innovation in the ACT.
I usually find that those who comment on the future of gas and gas appliances, have little experience or technical knowledge surrounding how natural gas is distributed and used in Australia.
It also seems they do not understand how much peak load the gas networks take off the electricity networks and generators. I also find that these people have not considered the potential for hydrogen gas appliances, such as fuel cells and combustion appliances, as a replacement for natural gas appliances.
In short, these are the answers to your questions.
Will gas appliances be banned?
No. Over the next 25 years, gas appliances will gradually transition away from CO2 emitting gases to green hydrogen appliances.
Is gas being phased out in Australia?
No. Natural gas and LPG may eventually be phased out because they are fossil fuels; but these gases will be replaced with green hydrogen.
Does Canberra have natural gas?
Yes. Canberra has natural gas and LPG gas. Evoenergy is currently working on a transition to 100% hydrogen gas by 2045.
Are gas stoves being phased out?
No. Gas stoves are not being phased out. Gas stoves will gradually transition away from CO2 emitting gases to green hydrogen over the next 25 years.
I recently read an article that was sceptical about hydrogen. The article cited several academics, but it appears what was quoted had significant technical errors. One quote stated hydrogen had to be stored at 700 times atmospheric pressure (70,000kPa) and distributed in pipes as a liquid.
The truth is hydrogen can be stored at any pressure. If it is stored in the existing gas networks in Canberra, this pressure may be as low as 2 times atmospheric pressure (200kPa). Hydrogen appliances will likely operate at pressures of 3kPa. Hydrogen is only liquefied for long distance bulk shipping, industrial and scientific purposes. For use in fuel cell vehicles, combustion in gas appliances and use in fuel cell batteries, hydrogen will be used and stored as a gas (H2).
The gas industry across the world has already begun work to develop training for gas workers and gasfitters. Appliance manufactures have developed appliances that work with 100% H2. All this work is being done now, to allow the transition from natural gas to Hydrogen gas appliances.
There are some issues, however, that need to be resolved beforehand. The cost of green hydrogen is one. Some gas networks in Australia are very old and already leak a substantial amount of natural gas if operated at pressures above 3kPa. Also, the seals and diaphragms in Australia’s gas meters and gas regulators are not compatible with hydrogen. Embrittlement in some pipes, does occur – but only under specific conditions. However, none of these issues are as difficult to resolve as some believe them to be.
If you would like advice based on experience and technical training, we can help. 6 Star Hot Water & Plumbing undertakes all types of, plumbing, drainage, hot water repairs and gasfitting in Canberra, Queanbeyan and surrounds.
Contact us for help and advice today.
