31-05-2022
News
Energy Networks Australia (ENA) and the Australian Pipelines and Gas Association (APGA) have updated and republished “Gas Vision 2050” last month – Delivering the pathway to net zero for Australia – 2022 Outlook.
Currently, approximately 49% of homes use Natural Gas for space heating, water heating and cooking across Australia. The transition to low emission Natural Gas from manufactured gas around 60 years ago was the first step to the net zero journey. Now its time to continue to the next phase by decarbonising our gas industry by 2050 in a considered approach.
Prior to 31 October 2021, when the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference took place in Glasgow (COP 26), the Australian Government as well as all Australian states and territories set net zero targets to be accomplished on or before 2050.
Further “Gas Vision 2050” (the report) lists the gas pipeline and distribution network business who have currently adopted net zero emission targets. These include Jemena, APA, ATCO, AGIG and Evoenergy.
The report explores three available technological pathways to achieve net zero, including, Hydrogen substitution for Natural Gas, Bio/Renewable Methane substitution or Electrification.
In the Hydrogen pathway, the report sets out a two staged approach in reaching 100% Hydrogen. First is to blend at least 10% into the network, secondly is to convert entirely to 100%. One significant action to progress in this pathway is the testing of appliances to ensure they operate safely with 100% Hydrogen or Hydrogen blends.
The Bio and Renewable Methane Pathway explores the alternate gas produced either by Organic waste, Landfill or reacting renewable hydrogen with carbon dioxide to produce synthetic renewable methane.
To read more please click on the following link
Energy Safe Victoria has issued an Industry Alert for information forthcoming on a consultation for proposed regulatory actions from the Victorian Energy Safety Commission on open flued gas space heaters that do not meet the new safety standards.
Specifically, the requirement for “Safety shut down under negative room pressure”. For details go to: Click Here
The closing date for consultation is close of business, Thursday 8 June 2022.
Further to our February 2022 NewsFlash the Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change, The Hon. Lily D’Ambrosio, has made the decision to proceed with the regulatory amendment in accordance with the preferred approach in the Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS).
The Gas Safety (Gas Installation) Amendment (Type A Appliances) Regulations 2022 will require:
* AS 4575 to be used for servicing for all Type A appliances. This means gasfitters will be required to apply AS 4575 for every Type A appliance that they service.
* Gasfitters will be required to provide a record of servicing (separate from the compliance certificate regime) to the VBA soon after the date of servicing (i.e. within five days of completion of the service). The gas service record will be in a form approved by the VBA and must be lodged electronically.
The new regulations will come into force in the state of Victoria on 1st June 2022.
Please go to https://engage.vic.gov.au/regulatory-impact-statement-mandate-australian-standard-4575 for more information.
REMINDER:
AS 4563– 2022– Commercial catering gas equipment has been published on the 4th March 2022. There were some important amendments and additions to this Standard which may require additional testing of certified commercial catering appliances.
4621:2019 Amd 1:2022 – Regulator for use with liquefied petroleum — Vapour phase has been published on the 11th March 2022.
Please contact your AGA Client Manager for advice to upgrade your certifications. Note that it is a government requirement to update certifications within 2 years of when the Standard is published.