30-12-2022
News
Thank you to all AGA members, industry stakeholders, AGA staff and friends for contributing to AGA’s mission and industry objectives in 2022.
It’s been a roller-coaster year for all while coming in and out of COVID restrictions, economic fluctuations, change of government and rapidly changing carbon emission policies around Australia. Despite the bumpy ride, the 100-year-old consumer safety and sustainability core make up of AGA has kept our part of the industry together with a focus on the future and what matters most –
– supporting industry to ensure our families are safe while using appliances, cylinders or cartridges in our homes, and
– for our future generations to have a sustainable and carbon free future.
We are only able to make a difference if we work together and focus on these objectives to improve and grow our industry.
We wish you and your families a safe and happy Christmas and New Year, and we look forward to working with you in 2023 to continue our mission together.
Thank you
Bill Tabourlos Managing Director and CEO, AGA
* AGA is closed for a few days over the holiday period and will re-open on the 4th January 2023.
This year’s GACM was a successful and an important collaborative meeting covering the pathway to net zero carbon emissions for the gas industry in the Western Pacific Region.
The GACM was hosted by AGA and Chaired by AGA’s Managing Director, Mr Bill Tabourlos who outlined the objectives of the GACM and accomplishments over the past decades. Mr Tabourlos acknowledged the collective partnership of the leading organisations from China, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Hong Kong SAR, Taiwan Region, Australia and other Western Pacific countries which have enhanced consumer safety and sustainability in our region.
Each of the GACM members outlined future plans to achieve a net zero gas industry by 2050 in each of their respective countries and exchanged ideas and strategies. AGA’s Tom Lord covered the pathway to a net zero economy in Australia and discussed the federal and state/territory regulatory framework. Green hydrogen as a potential future energy source was a common denominator in each of the GACM member discussions.
The GACM members will continue to work together and share information to help with a smooth transition to a net zero gas industry leading to our 2050 targets.
At the conclusion of the 12th GACM, Mr Bill Tabourlos stood down as GACM Chairman and the position was declared vacant. Mr Yun won Choi of KGS was unanimously elected as the next GACM Chairman. Mr Choi announced that the 13th GACM would be hosted by KGS in 2024 in Korea.
Australia has reached another key milestone by implementing green hydrogen as a solution to reduce carbon emissions. On the 6th December 2022, Fortescue Future Industries and Atco Australia opened Western Australia’s first green hydrogen refueling station. The new refueling station was commissioned to power a fleet of hydrogen fuel cell cars which will be available to the new 12 Toyota Mirai’s as well as third parties including the WA Police Force.
The green hydrogen will be produced by using a 200kW electrolyser. This exciting and extensively researched technology works by splitting hydrogen from water and can be stored as energy. Having access to green hydrogen will add further success to its range of capabilities. The Western Australian government has announced hydrogen will be implemented into the neighbouring pipelines. Cockburn, WA is home to thousands of businesses and households where the blend will be tested from a range of 2% to 10% over the next 2 years as part of Western Australia’s Renewable Hydrogen Strategy.
Hydrogen does not generate carbon emissions when reacted with oxygen. By implementing hydrogen into the gas network, this provides consumers with no noticeable change to the current gas supply, and yet reduces carbon emissions for a sustainable, green and prosperous future. This combined partnership between Atco Australia and Andrew ‘Twiggy’ Forrest’s Fortescue Future Industries further advances Australia in becoming a leader in renewable energy in order to achieve a 43% reduction in emissions by 2030 and net zero by 2050. Become part of the future now by being “hydrogen ready”.
The Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water is seeking views on the proposed Guarantee of Origin scheme for hydrogen.
The Department has been allocated $2.2 million in the budget to develop and consult on design and draft legislation for the scheme to be able to:
* Provide a mechanism to track and verify emissions associated with hydrogen and other low emissions commodities produced in Australia”,
* Provide an enduring certificate mechanism for renewable electricity which could support a variety of renewable energy claims.
Please go to https://consult.dcceew.gov.au/aus-guarantee-of-origin-scheme-consultation for more information and to provide your feedback before 3rd February 2023.
AGA supports the introduction of the Hydrogen Guarantee of Origin Scheme as the Hydrogen appliance testing increasing at AGA’s Hydrogen appliance testing facility located in Melbourne, Australia. When available, AGA will be moving to sourcing green Hydrogen as part of AGA’s blended and 100% Hydrogen appliance testing.
If you have any queries relating to testing your Hydrogen or Hydrogen/NG appliances or components please contact our Laboratory Manager, Mr Dennis Karafotias at lab@aga.asn.au or (03) 95804500.
AS 19880.1 (Gaseous hydrogen – Fuelling stations – Part 1: General requirements) is out for pubic comment until 2nd February 2023.
If you would like to submit any comments, you may forward them directly through to Standards Australia – See the following guide: Click Here