I attended an Australian Plumbing and Gas conference– where I was fortunate to attend two presentations by IAPMO on what led up to the drive to ban gas In Victoria and NSW and
the second presentation by the Australian Gas Infrastructure Group on how Natural gas, with Hydrogen and Biomethane, will be fully sustainable/carbon-free by 2030 no later than 2050.
Hydrogen will be a big part of the green carbon-free pathway as well as Bio-methane,
When Biomethane is processed correctly, Biomethane has the same heating value as Natural gas and burns with low carbon emissions.
It just so happens we have an abundance of biomethane which is found in landfills, sewage plants, piggeries, and biomass like agriculture waste.
There is work underway with hydrogen electrolyzer facilities that are being built in Gladstone, Victoria, Adelaide, and WA. With plans to inject up to 15% hydrogen to the Natural gas networks with the view of going 100% by 2050.
The question I was asked was, “What is available for Hydrogen training” So the answer is that the hydrogen industry is being born, with many small private courses, more aimed at the upstream market.
Biogas or Biomethane is here and its natural gas can be processed or filtered to be natural gas-
Additionally, there is Renewable LPG, which is also a sustainable fuel.
We suggest you complete the base qualifications that already cover gas and electrical – As Hydrogen biomethane and fuel cells will be an additional add-on to these basic qualifications.
In several places in Australia, we have witnessed Industrial appliances being converted to work Biomethane and hydrogen.
In the following locations- we have students travelling to Brisbane to complete the Type B gas course to work on the following projects
Tasmania-
- Large Hot water and steam boilers – Hydrogen conversion or Biomethane
Queensland –
- Sewage treatment plants – Bio methane Large hot water boilers.
- Landfill sites- Biomethane power generation – Gas Stationary engines.
Victoria – NSW – Northern Territory
- Natural and Biogas power generation as a backup to renewables and to replace coal generation.
Canberra ACT
- Convert heat pump heating back to natural gas-fired boilers.
- Convert Natural gas installs to LPG propane.
- Replace – Electrical appliances to reduce the peak power charges to gas appliances.
So, what’s the solution, how do you get aboard the future fuels?
- Get qualified, cross-trade licenced, and qualified. Upskill or reskilled-
Things are changing rapidly. processes and standards change-
I can recall when I completed my electrical apprenticeship over 40 years ago, we were never taught to wear electrical safety gloves for general electrical work. Also, loop impedance testing wasn’t a thing and we tested with meggers, not portable appliance testers.
And in the gas industry, most gas appliances were gas only, with no complex electrical -just gas..
So how did we keep up with the evolving technologies and changes?
- Continuous education and learning and upskilling.
- Through courses and licence training,
- Factory training.
- Attending tradeshows, seminars,
- Joining Associations. Like the Queensland Gas Association, MPAQ
- Don’t just do technical courses but how-to and why courses.
- Yes, a blended diet of learning.
- How to cook the perfect pizza or how to brew the perfect cup of coffee and why the equipment needs to operate correctly-
- as the appliance should work correctly and safely as designed.
Be curious about everything you do, ask the why the how what, and when will happen.
- So as an electrician, I completed a Gas fitter course and have a Gas Work Licence for Queensland, then progressed to a Type B gas work Authorisation.
- Then progressed to a Type B and Type A gas Device Approval authority.
I am a strong believer in multi-trade licenced technicians and training as such.Electricians/ Plumbers, mechanical fitters, and refrigeration techs with Certificate III in gas fitting / Gas Work Licence – for installation and service of Type A gas appliances and systems. or Restricted gas licences only for service.
- Electricians/ Gas fitters for Type B gas qualifications or Gas stationary engines
- Plumbers, Refrigeration/ air conditioning techs and mechanical fitters – with restricted electrical qualifications and electronic control
Hydrogen pathway –
- Electricians, Plumbers, gas fitters type A and Type B gas , mechanics with gas stationary engines
- Certificate III in gas fitting- for Hydrogen/ biomethane and natural gas
- Service Type A gas course for qualified gas licenced persons.
- Gas Work Licenced course -restricted to service
- Restricted electrical course with the gas courses or the allied trades
- Gas stationary engine course – Install and service.
- Type B gas course install, commission and service
In the ACT, there has been a reversal back to gas-fired boilers and heating systems as the alternative electrical systems have seen the power costs quadruple, in one case the electric heating failed to heat the building and took three days to reach the correct temperature and the power bill went up four times. In this case, the business returned to efficient, cost-effective, and reliable gas boilers.
Our dedication to providing high-quality education remains unwavering, ensuring that our students are well-prepared for successful and rewarding careers in the Type B gas industry and in the emerging new renewable and sustainable gas fuels.
For more information on our Type B gas programs
Training dates: Type B gas 2024
Gas stationary engine courses 2024
STOP PRESS- The good news
This year we have seen an increase in demand for the Type B gas course and gas courses in general.
With new sectors, Hydrogen and Bio Methane gas, many of our students reporting the emerging trends in the Type B gas sector.
1-Capturing Bio Gas from landfills, then using the Biomethane gas as a fuel- Yes turning rubbish dumps biomethane to supply gas to
- Gas stationary engine to generate power.
- Used to supply Type B gas-fired steam or hot water boilers for hot water
Why? To capture the methane before it destroys our climate. ( Methane has more than 80 times the warming power of carbon dioxide over the first 20 years after it reaches the atmosphere.
2- For the hydrogen conversion of Natural gas generators or Boilers to Hydrogen-fueled Type B gas devices.
So where does hydrogen sit in regards to the trades, at the moment the qualifications are being confirmed and developed. There is more activity in the Type B gas sector as above,
And if you wish to pursue the emerging changes, we suggest you consider the following.
If you have a trade, consider adding to this trade with the minimum entry-level
Require the full qualification Gas Work Licence then consider
Plumbers or other trades and have the Gas qualification consider
You are involved with Type B gas work- or wish to progress to Type B gas – Consider
- The first area to emerge with hydrogen for Type B gas devices including Fuel cells.
- The Type B gas course/qualification – More here
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