Australia Maps Path to Green Gas Revolution by 2030

Australia's heavy industries face a major turning point, but a new roadmap shows exactly how to help them thrive without fossil fuels.

The country's biggest factories and chemical plants produce 5% of national emissions and desperately need green alternatives to natural gas. Right now, Australia makes almost no renewable gas despite needing massive amounts by 2030.

The gap is staggering. Australia currently produces just 0.1 petajoules each of green hydrogen and biomethane, but needs 60 petajoules of hydrogen and 10 of biomethane within four years. That means growing production six hundred times over for hydrogen and one hundred times for biomethane.

Despite spending $2.25 billion on green hydrogen support, only two projects received funding and neither are running yet. Several major projects have been cancelled entirely.

But other countries prove rapid growth is possible. Italy had zero biomethane production in 2018 and now makes more than 28 petajoules annually.

Green hydrogen is made by splitting water using renewable electricity, creating clean fuel for extreme high heat processes like alumina refining. Biomethane comes from waste like sewage and agricultural scraps, offering the same chemistry as natural gas but with near zero emissions because its carbon was recently absorbed from the atmosphere.

The solution requires two clear actions. First, redirect support toward existing hydrogen users who already have the equipment and expertise to make the switch. Second, create a national requirement for large gas users to purchase certificates proving a portion of their gas comes from renewable sources.

Why This Inspires

This story shows climate action and industrial strength working hand in hand. The roadmap protects manufacturing jobs while slashing emissions, proving environmental progress doesn't require economic sacrifice. Victoria and New South Wales already plan renewable gas targets, showing momentum is building across the country.

Starting with just 1 petajoule of biomethane would cost only $15 million spread across major users, a tiny investment that would transform the entire renewable gas sector. Every factory that switches protects jobs and cuts pollution simultaneously.

Australia has the renewable energy, the technical know-how, and now a practical blueprint to make this transformation succeed.