News

14 May 2024

Natural Gas in Australia

At Lopi, we regularly get asked about gas… mainly; “Isn’t it going to be banned?”

Gas, at least for the foreseeable future isn’t going anywhere and your existing connection is completely safe!

In summary you can still purchase a gas fireplace for use with Natural Gas (town gas).
If you don’t have Natural Gas connected, no problem as LPG (Bottled Gas) is also a great and affordable option for everyone. All Lopi gas fireplaces are compatible with both types of gas.

Gas in Australia Overview
As the Australian government looks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels to mitigate climate change and move towards a cleaner resource of energy, it is important to consider the facts and discuss the key questions revolving the changes being made.

A study conducted by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water found that Australian electricity generation from 2022-23 consisted of a 65% reliance on fossil fuels, such as coal and natural gas. Australia relies on natural gas for electricity generation and various other purposes, such as residential and commercial heating, industrial processes, transportation, and exportation.

Due to this heavy reliance, it is almost impossible to completely eliminate natural gas use from Australia.

The continued discussion over electrification and swapping gas appliances for an electric equivalent is not very applicable to fireplaces. Find out more below.

Frequently Asked Questions Surrounding The Use of Natural Gas:

Is Gas being phased out in Victoria and Australia?

No, both the Victorian Government and South Australian Government have invested in renewable hydrogen gas projects with Australian Gas Networks. In Victoria, existing gas customers need not worry, but new homes and buildings requiring a planning permit post January 1st, 2024, cannot connect to the gas network unless this decision is reversed. However, certain exceptions apply.

Importantly, this new requirement does not apply to:

• New dwellings that do not require a planning permit.
• Existing homes that have an existing gas connection.
• Existing homes without an existing gas connection.
• Renovations and extensions to existing dwellings that do not require a planning permit.

This means that customers in Victoria with access to natural gas connections can continue to enjoy the use of safe and reliable gas long into the future without having to make any changes to their homes or appliances.

However, for new areas being developed without a natural gas connection available, gas products can still be used with LPG (Bottled Gas), meaning it is not a complete ban on gas only on new connections.

Is Natural Gas going to be restricted in new developments in NSW?

No, the NSW government are continuing to invest in gas and understand it’s importance in the energy needs of Australians. For more information on the future of gas in NSW, click here.

Is Natural Gas a clean resource?

Yes, natural gas is considered a cleaner resource for generating electricity, as it emits fewer carbon emissions compared to electricity sourced from coal-fired power stations, which constitutes 70% of Victoria’s electricity. Gas remains a cleaner option unless supplemented by solar power.

Is it cheaper to run Gas or Electric products?

For homes with solar power, electric products offer cost-efficient operation. Conversely, homes off the grid, particularly in Victoria, can save over $500 annually by switching to natural gas for cooking, hot water, and heating.

Can Electric Fireplaces produce the same heat as Gas Fireplaces?

No, Electric Fireplaces are typically used primarily as more decorative products, as they can only provide on average up to 2kW heat output compared to a Gas Fireplaces’ average of 8-10kW output.

Electric Fireplaces are cheaper to run for aesthetics due to their electronic flames, but Gas Fireplaces offer a more impressive ‘real’ flame effect, as well as higher heating capacity.

Is LPG more expensive than Natural Gas?

Not necessarily, in fact In some cases, LPG can be cheaper than natural gas for the average home owner.

There are daily charges for natural gas just for being connected to the gas network.
Annual connection charges for natural gas can be over $400, this excludes the usage of any actual gas!

LPG has a higher energy content than natural gas and is a cost-effective alternative in many cases.
As most homes have 2 x 45Kg cylinders installed, swapping over when one is emptied is seamless by the supplier.

Summary

In navigating the environmental concerns and energy choices, it’s crucial to acknowledge that Australia still heavily relies on non-renewable fossil fuels, primarily coal and gas. The transition to cleaner energy sources is underway, but it poses challenges in infrastructure development and costs.

Both gas and electric heating and cooling options have their merits depending on factors like initial cost, efficiency, operating costs, and environmental impact.

In summary if you are considering a fireplace for your home that is both a focal point and a heat source, Wood and Gas Fireplaces are still your best options today.

Lopi Fireplaces