APGA Australian Pipelines and Gas Association Lt : Heat wave should force governments to focus on energy policy

High temperatures being experienced across Australia should help energy ministers focus on the importance of developing a comprehensive and technology-neutral national energy policy.

APGA Chief Executive Cheryl Cartwright said a key element of that policy must address the issue of increasing the supply of natural gas to both domestic consumers and manufacturers by removing barriers to exploration and development.

'Natural gas has a long-term role to work in partnership with renewables to reduce carbon emissions in Australia's energy generation,' Ms Cartwright said.

'Electricity generated by natural gas has half the carbon emissions of coal-fired power generation and gas has even lower emissions when used directly in the home.

'As we transition to a lower emissions energy future, Australia needs to match the withdrawal of high emissions energy generators like the Hazelwood power station with the introduction of new supplies of energy, and that means renewable energy sources coupled with natural gas.

'Extra energy demands, such as those that arise during heat waves, will jeopardise energy supply unless new sources are introduced to match demand.'

Read more in the Heat wave should force Government to focus on energy policy media release.