The CSA Gas Forum this year was held on the 21st and 22nd September 2023 in Wuhan, China and proved to be an exceptional gathering, packed with industry shaping discussions and networking opportunities. The event was a resounding success, drawing an impressive attendance of over 150 local manufacturers and suppliers. It’s a privilege to share that AGA had a notable presence at the forum, represented by our General Manager of Certifications, Don Duan, and Client Manager, Tony Tong.
The forum kicked off with opening remarks from CSA’s China Regional Vice President, Nancy Ge. She highlighted CSA’s dedication to offering comprehensive services to customers, setting the tone for the forum. AGA’s invitation to this prominent event underlined our role as a key strategic partner for CSA’s Global Certification One-stop-shop Service.
In a special session dedicated to AGA, Don Duan provided an overview of AGA’s multifaceted business model. He highlighted our enduring relationship with CSA, one that has flourished over the past decade. Don also emphasised CSA’s comprehensive laboratory testing capabilities, specifically catered to Australian gas appliance and component Standards. Moving to more local matters, he discussed the Gas Substitution Roadmap recently announced by the Victorian government, clarifying its implications on the gas appliance sector.
Tony Tong then took the stage, speaking about the essentials of the most recent Standard updates and changes, such as AS/NZS 1869, AS/NZS 5263.0:2023, and AS 4563-2022. To make these changes more tangible, Tony walked the audience through a case study focused on outdoor pizza ovens, offering practical insights into product design compliant with Australian requirements.
The first day of the forum wrapped up with a celebration dinner, generously sponsored by AGA’s member Guangzhou GDA Valve Technology Co Ltd. The dinner offered an unparalleled opportunity for all representatives in the gas industry to mingle and exchange contacts, setting the stage for future collaborations. In summary, the CSA Gas Forum 2023 served as a remarkable platform for experts in the industry to engage in meaningful dialogue about pressing issues and untapped opportunities. As we at AGA continue to strengthen our strategic partnership with CSA, we look forward to more fruitful collaborations that promise to revolutionise the gas industry.
The Gas Technical Regulators Committee (GTRC) has released two new Technical Guidance Bulletins (TGBs) addressing Room Sealing and Commercial Catering Equipment Transition.
The Room Sealing TGB provides clear guidelines for testing specific types of room-sealed appliances. Meanwhile, the Commercial Catering Equipment Transition TGB extends the transition period, which now commences from Amendment 1 of the Standard.
You can download the bulletins via the following links:
TECHNICAL GUIDANCE BULLETIN 24 – Room Sealing: CLICK HERE
From Down Under to the EU: Tasmania's Role in Global Green Hydrogen Production
Due to fossil fuels phasing out and Europe becoming less dependant on Russia, Europe will need 10 million tonnes per annum of green hydrogen per year as a source of energy by 2030. A recent study between the Rockliff Liberal Government and the Port of Rotterdam confirms Tasmania’s status as a viable green hydrogen producer and exporter.
Back in 2021, the Tasmanian State budget revealed the support to fund the development of renewable hydrogen in Tasmania and to become Australia’s renewable hydrogen epicentre. This budget shared the goals under the Tasmanian Renewable Hydrogen Action Plan where it was planned to use existing and expandable renewable energy sources to start hydrogen production and become a global producer and exporter by 2030.
To date Tasmania is Australia’s leader for the production of renewable energy. The State is 100% self-sufficient with renewable energy and has become net zero as has so for the last 7 years. The State is in a prime position to produce green hydrogen with the State Government to increase energy generation from renewable sources to 200% by 2040.
Since the release of the study, the State is forcing its attention to bolster the inputs of power generation from Tasmania’s hydro power and wind generation and also reduce the uncertainties and potential barries from regulatory frameworks to creating a domestic market within the hydrogen industry. By becoming a global exporter of green hydrogen, this opens many possibilities within the European and Asia Pacific market.