The Push for Electrification
As the world moves towards decarbonisation, there is a growing push for an all-electric future. Governments and energy providers are investing heavily in renewable electricity sources like solar and wind, aiming to phase out gas in homes and industries.
The recent impact of Cyclone Alfred in SE Queensland has highlighted the risks of relying solely on electricity. When power outages occur, we have no control over when supply will be restored, leaving homes and businesses vulnerable. This underscores the importance of having alternative energy sources like gas and hydrogen, which can provide resilience and independence in times of crisis.
Relying solely on the electrical grid presents challenges, including energy security, grid stability, and infrastructure costs. Gas, particularly biomethane and hydrogen, offer a compelling alternative that provides both sustainability and energy independence.
What is Biomethane?
Biomethane is a renewable gas derived from biogas, which is produced by breaking down organic materials such as green waste, food industry byproducts, and agricultural and industrial waste.
This process, known as anaerobic digestion, occurs in an oxygen-free environment, where microorganisms decompose the material to generate biogas.
- Biogas typically contains about 60% methane, with the remainder comprising carbon dioxide, hydrogen sulphide, nitrogen, and oxygen.
- Through an upgrading process, the biogas is purified to nearly 100% methane, transforming it into biomethane—a cleaner and more efficient energy source.
What is Hydrogen and Why Does It Matter?
Hydrogen is another key player in the transition to cleaner energy. It is a versatile fuel that can be used in multiple sectors, from industry to transportation and home energy.
Types of Hydrogen:
- Green Hydrogen – Produced using renewable energy (solar, wind) to split water molecules (electrolysis), creating an emissions-free energy source.
- Blue Hydrogen – Created from natural gas, but with carbon capture technology to minimise emissions.
- Grey Hydrogen – The most common type today, made from fossil fuels without carbon capture, emitting CO₂.
Why Hydrogen Matters:
- Can be stored and transported through existing gas pipelines, making it a practical alternative to electrification.
- Zero-emission fuel when used in fuel cells to generate power.
- Offers energy resilience by providing an alternative when renewable electricity generation is low.
- Compatible with existing gas networks, meaning homes and industries can transition gradually without expensive infrastructure overhauls.
Energy Freedom: Gas vs. Electricity
One of the key concerns with full electrification is the reliance on a centralised power grid. As demand for electricity surges, grids can become strained, leading to blackouts and energy price fluctuations.
Renewable energy sources like wind and solar are dependent on weather conditions, meaning backup solutions are necessary. Batteries provide some storage, but they are expensive and have limited capacity.
Biomethane and hydrogen, on the other hand, provide decentralised and reliable energy sources that do not depend solely on the grid. They can be seamlessly blended into existing gas networks, offering energy resilience and security. Unlike electricity, which requires significant infrastructure upgrades to accommodate increasing demand, hydrogen and biomethane can be integrated into current gas pipelines without major modifications.
Carbon-Neutral Gas Solutions
While electrification is often promoted as the only path to a sustainable future, gas and hydrogen can also be part of the clean energy transition.
- Biomethane is carbon-neutral, as it is produced from organic waste materials that have already absorbed CO₂ during their lifecycle.
- Green hydrogen is emissions-free, making it a strong contender for long-term decarbonisation.
- Carbon-neutral LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) allows users to continue utilising gas appliances while ensuring their energy use does not contribute additional greenhouse gases.
Companies like ELGAS offer carbon-neutral LPG by purchasing carbon credits to offset emissions, providing a sustainable gas alternative.
Biomethane and Hydrogen in Australia: A Missed Opportunity?
Currently, in Australia, biogas is predominantly used for generating electricity in combined heat and power plants or is simply flared off. However, there is significant potential to upgrade biogas into biomethane and distribute it through existing gas infrastructure.
Similarly, hydrogen adoption in Australia remains slow, despite government roadmaps promoting its role in future energy markets. Some key opportunities include:
- Blending hydrogen into existing natural gas networks to reduce reliance on fossil fuels.
- Expanding hydrogen refuelling stations to support fuel cell vehicles.
- Investing in large-scale green hydrogen projects to reduce production costs and increase accessibility.
By embracing biomethane and hydrogen, Australia can support national decarbonisation efforts without requiring costly changes to homes and businesses.
The Future: A Balanced Approach
Rather than focusing solely on electrification, a balanced energy approach that includes renewable gas sources like biomethane and hydrogen ensures:
✅ Greater energy security
✅ Lower infrastructure costs
✅ A resilient and diversified energy mix
While electricity will play a critical role in the future energy landscape, hydrogen and biomethane offer flexibility, independence, and resilience against grid instability.
By leveraging a diverse energy mix, Australia can move towards net-zero emissions without compromising reliability or affordability.
The FINAL Word
Is the Future Truly All-Electric?
Why Biomethane, Hydrogen, and Gas Offer Energy Freedom
As the push for an all-electric future intensifies, concerns about grid stability, energy security, and infrastructure costs grow. While renewable electricity from solar and wind is expanding, recent events—like Cyclone Alfred’s power outages in SE Queensland—highlight the risks of relying solely on electricity.
This article explores why a balanced energy approach is crucial. Biomethane and hydrogen provide reliable, carbon-neutral alternatives that complement electricity while enhancing energy independence and resilience.
Key Takeaways:
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Electricity grid challenges – Over-reliance on centralised grids can lead to instability and blackouts.
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Biomethane – A renewable, carbon-neutral gas derived from organic waste, seamlessly integrated into existing gas networks.
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Hydrogen – A clean, versatile energy source that can be blended into current gas infrastructure, offering a zero-emission fuel alternative.
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Energy security & flexibility – Gas and hydrogen reduce dependence on electricity while avoiding costly infrastructure upgrades.
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Australia’s missed opportunity – Biomethane and hydrogen remain underutilised, despite their potential to support decarbonisation without major system changes.
Rather than an all-electric approach, a mix of renewable gas and electricity ensures affordability, sustainability, and reliability—key factors for a successful clean energy transition.
The Future of Energy: Beyond the All-Electric Hype
Banning gas or forcing homeowners and businesses to switch to electric appliances won’t reduce costs or carbon emissions as promised. In reality, it increases both capital and energy expenses. Many all-electric technologies—such as induction cooktops and heat pumps—are expensive, unreliable, and often non-repairable when they fail.
Do your research—don’t just follow the popular narrative. The gas industry is evolving, with green natural gas and renewable LPG emerging as sustainable solutions. The reality is clear: we won’t have enough electricity to replace gas entirely. Instead of a costly, impractical all-electric future, a balanced energy mix—leveraging biomethane, hydrogen, and natural gas—ensures reliability, affordability, and sustainability.
