The industry association for gas works has called for gas suppliers to be able to access government support currently for renewable energy.

The Australian Pipeline Industry Association has released a policy document suggesting the Government establish a technology-neutral energy investment program; allowing renewables, clean coal, gas and any low-emission technologies to compete for investment funds.

Such a scheme would prioritise the harvesting of finite resources alongside permanent resources, the gathering of which could continue indefinitely. The APIA has also called for the establishment of an electricity sector emissions intensity-based carbon reduction scheme.

APIA’s Chief Executive Cheryl Cartwright says, “rather than trying to pick winners – currently the renewable energy industry – this policy would let all technologies, including gas, compete for funding on the basis of economic reduction of emissions.”