Extending the national gas regulatory framework to hydrogen blends & renewable gases

Country / jurisdiction: Australia · Year: 2023 · Status: In force · Level: National · Type: Voluntary

On 20 August 2021, Energy Ministers agreed that the national gas regulatory framework should be amended to bring biomethane, hydrogen blends and other renewable methane gas blends within its scope. Energy Ministers also agreed that the amendments should initially focus on low level blends and renewable gases that are suitable for consumption in existing appliances.

This is the Consultation Paper published in October 2021 to set out a potential approach. Updates should follow on Q2 2022.

Update: On 28 October 2022, Energy Ministers agreed to amendments to the National Gas Law and Regulations to bring hydrogen, biomethane and other renewable gases under the national gas regulatory framework.

The agreement was implemented through the Statutes Amendment (National Energy Laws) (Other Gases) Act 2023 and associated amending Regulations, which were proclaimed on 7 March 2024. The National Gas and National Energy Retail amendment rules for these reforms were published on 21 March 2024.

The reforms provide regulatory certainty to support investment in innovative projects that will reduce emissions in our gas networks. The reforms also ensure existing regulatory provisions and consumer protections work as intended when hydrogen and renewable gases are incorporated into the gas network.

Official source: https://www.energy.gov.au/sites/default/files/2021-10/Extending%20the%20national%20gas%20regulatory%20framework%20-%20Officials%20consultation%20paper.pdf