02-04-2023
News
As the global community continues to deal with climate change challenges, the push towards renewable energy sources has become a major priority. AGA recognises the importance of this transition and is working closely with industry to assist. To that end, AGA has recently launched a Green Hydrogen Readiness Survey, which seeks to understand the industry’s level of preparedness for upcoming changes.
If you are an industry participant in the upstream or downstream sectors, or involved in the manufacturing, supply, or installation of appliances/components, please click on the following link to take the survey, which will be open until May 5th, 2023.
One important factor in this transition is the development of new standards and specifications to ensure the safe and efficient use of alternative energy sources. Later this year, it is expected that Standards Australia will publish the new specification, SA TS 5390, which will set out safety requirements for hydrogen appliances. This new specification is critical to ensuring the safe and effective use of hydrogen appliances in the industry.
AGA’s Hydrogen Test Centre is at the forefront of testing and development for hydrogen appliances. The centre is the largest and most sophisticated hydrogen testing facility in the southern hemisphere and is capable of testing appliances and components for any hydrogen and Natural Gas composition.
AGA’s team of specialist testing engineers have years of experience in this field and have assisted several gas product manufacturers and suppliers with their hydrogen testing needs. Manufacturers have been assessing their gas products to find the optimal hydrogen/methane blend their appliances can tolerate. Some have also developed 100% hydrogen appliances in anticipation of the transition from natural gas to natural gas/hydrogen blends and eventually 100% carbon-free emission hydrogen.
At AGA, we recognise the importance of the transition to renewable fuel sources, and we’re committed to supporting the industry through this process. Our survey, in combination with the new SA TS 5390 specification and our Hydrogen Test Centre, will help the industry to ensure that the transition to renewable energy is safe and efficient.
If you’re a gas appliance manufacturer or supplier looking to develop products that can operate on hydrogen or hydrogen-methane blends, get in touch with AGA’s General Manager, Laboratory, Dennis Karafotias at lab@aga.asn.au.
We are delighted to announce that AGA is collaborating with CSA to host an upcoming forum in China. This event is an invaluable opportunity for AGA members who are interested in exploring the latest developments and trends within our industry.
A variety of topics will be covered that are essential to our industry’s success in the gas, hydrogen, WaterMark, and whitegoods areas. We will be discussing new regulations and industry standards that are shaping the future of our industry.
We extend an invitation to all AGA members to join us on the 18th May 2023 and learn from the industry’s leading experts. A special invitation will be sent to AGA members, so be sure to keep an eye out for your invitation. We look forward to welcoming you there.
As a reminder to our Members and Certificate Holders and as mentioned in our February 2023 NewsFlash, the Gas Technical Regulators Committee (GTRC) introduced additional post-certification testing requirements for high-risk gas equipment in June 2022, which are defined in Version 4 of The Rules and the GTRC High Risk Equipment Safety Critical Testing document. These documents are available at:
and
High Risk Equipment Safety Critical Testing
The mandatory 2-year cycle period for testing has now started, and it’s essential to meet this new regulatory requirement. We appreciate the Members and Certificate Holders who have responded to our request for testing, which is required to be carried out during this 2-year period. It is important to start this process early to ensure that laboratory resources are managed efficiently.
AGA will contact Certificate Holders of affected Certificates to ensure a smooth transition and ensure that the Certificates remain current. If you have any queries, please contact your AGA Client Manager, or you can email us at office@aga.asn.au.
Once again, thank you to all those who have already responded to our request for testing. We appreciate your cooperation in helping to ensure safety and compliance in the gas industry.
The following Standards are out for public comment until the 29th May 2023:
5263.1.4:2017 Amd 1 – Gas Appliances, Part 1.4: Radiant gas heaters
AS/NZS 5263.1.7:2020 Amd 1 – Gas appliances, Part 1.7: Domestic outdoor gas cooking appliances
AS/NZS 5263.1.10:2019 Amd 1 – Gas appliances, Part 1.10: Gas direct fired air heaters
AS/NZS 5263.1.11:2020 Amd 1 – Gas appliances, Part 1.11: Small gas engine driven appliances\
If you would like to submit any comments, you may forward them directly through to Standards Australia – See following guide: Click Here
The following Standard was published on 24 March 2023
AS/NZS 5601.1:2022 Amd 1:2023 – Gas installations, Part 1: General installations