The Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)’s projected gas shortfalls for Western Australia demonstrate the urgent need to accelerate WA’s renewable transition and prioritise domestic energy security over international gas exports.
The Conservation Council of Western Australia (CCWA) said that AEMO’s new projections released today show a long-term decline in WA’s gas usage. They also predict supply shortfalls that risk driving up energy prices for WA homes and businesses.
CCWA Executive Director Matt Roberts said energy shortages could be avoided if the state government prioritised renewables and strengthened our domestic gas reservation policy.
“These predictions aren’t inevitable — they show what will happen if our government fails to prioritise renewables and address the gas export crisis,” Mr Roberts said.
“WA has no shortage of sunshine and wind; we’re perfectly placed to lead the world in the transition to clean, cheap renewable energy. Instead, we’re doubling down on fossil gas and falling behind on the rollout of large-scale renewable projects.
“The gas lobby will tell you that AEMO’s projections mean we need more gas projects in WA, but they fail to mention that around 90% of gas produced in WA is exported. WA produces a huge amount of the world’s gas, and yet big companies are allowed to ship most of it overseas. It's clear we have a gas export problem, not a gas supply problem.
“If WA’s domestic gas reservation policy was functioning as intended, we could avoid any shortfalls for WA homes and businesses. Instead, offshore gas producers like Woodside and Chevron consistently fail to reserve 15% of their gas for the domestic market, and the Cook government has lifted the ban on onshore gas exports.
“WA’s domestic gas reservation policy has been the envy of the nation, but it’s being undermined, putting Western Australians at risk of facing the same exorbitant gas prices as other states.
“Renewable energy alternatives are missing from the conversation. AEMO’s report does not map out a gas demand projection that would be in line with WA meeting our obligations of a 1.5 degree-aligned emissions reduction target as part of the Paris Agreement.
“How can the government and community make proper decisions about our future energy and climate action when we only have data on part of the energy story for WA?
“Industry, government and civil society are in a constant scramble for information and data.
“It's time everyone, including government, industry, and AEMO, start thinking seriously about energy generation beyond a reliance on gas.”
ENDS