Opinion

Running out of gas is avoidable – but we need to move fast

Declining production from offshore Victorian gas fields is unlikely to be substantially replaced by new local gas supply.

Tony WoodEnergy expert

Mar 26, 2024 – 2.09pm

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Last week, the Australian Energy Market Operator released its annual Gas Statement of Opportunities. The statement reinforces earlier concern about gas supply gaps in southern states, only in stronger language. It identifies risks of seasonal shortfalls as early as next year and calls for urgent investment to fill annual supply gaps from 2028.

The response from governments and industry has been deafening silence or blame deflection.

Tony Wood is head of the energy program at the Grattan Institute.