Is Gas Here to Stay? YES!
Given the ever-changing climate and our ongoing efforts to save the planet, the question arises for fireplace specialists: where does gas fit into the picture? and what does the future hold for non-renewable natural gas energy in Aotearoa?
Well actually… renewable?
Firstly, it’s important to introduce The Climate Change Commission (CCC). The CCC is an independent crown entity that provides the Government of the day with advice, monitoring and reporting that supports New Zealand's transition to a climate-resilient, low emissions future. This includes advising the Government on strategies to meet their net zero emissions target for greenhouse gasses by 2050 (other than for biogenic methane).
In 2021 The CCC advised the government to set a timeline for halting new gas connections once a national energy strategy is in place. This has led many homeowners to wonder about the future of their gas appliances. Initially some consumers believed that new gas connections were to be banned from homes and businesses after 2025, this wasn’t the case. Instead, a new strategy was put forward to set Kiwis up for the future.
Sustainable gas options are on the way! In turn banning new gas connections to homes didn’t make much sense. It's also notable that over 600,000 homes in New Zealand are using gas energy and residential natural gas users account for around 1% of greenhouse gas emissions. As of 2017, New Zealand’s natural gas consumption was 0.1% of the global total (putting us 55th in the world).
What Are Sustainable Gas Options?
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Renewable Hydrogen: Produced by using renewable electricity to separate hydrogen from water, it can store energy and be used for cooking, heating, and powering vehicles.
· Biogas: Captures methane from decomposing organic waste. Used globally, it's processed at rubbish dumps, wastewater plants, and farms, then fed into gas pipelines for home use.
· Renewable Natural Gas (RNG): Also known as biomethane, it's methane from organic waste and biomass, matching natural gas chemically and produced through additional processing.
· Renewable LPG (rLPG): Made from renewable and waste materials, its composition is similar to conventional LPG, allowing for seamless use in the same tanks and equipment.
· Renewable DME (rDME): Dimethyl ether produced from renewable or recycled carbon feedstocks like manure, it is a clean, colourless gas.
Sustainable gas options will eventually make their way into homes once an efficient and cost-effective process can be established to mass produce them. These sustainable gas options are being developed and are being designed to work with existing pipelines and appliances. Theoretically this would mean they can be implemented into the market without gas customers noticing any difference.
Should I Still Purchase a Gas Fireplace Today?
Yes, absolutely. Modern gas appliances remain a sound investment. They are designed to run on a blend of natural gas and renewable hydrogen (up to 20%) or biogas. By 2050, forward-thinking manufacturers will have entirely transitioned to support sustainable gas as their fuel source.
Natural gas and LPG will continue to be delivered to homes until we fully transition to low and zero-carbon gases, which is expected around 2050. In which time your gas fire will have lived its lifetime and served its purpose.
What About Future Gas Prices?
Like everything, as we shift towards renewable energy, the cost of all energy sources is likely to increase. Although we can expect it will continue to be priced competitively with other energy sources.
Conclusion – The Future of Gas Fires
The flame isn’t going out, gas fires remain a reliable choice. As the industry shifts towards more eco-friendly solutions, gas energy continues to be a steadfast option. We are committed to providing you with the gas fires you love while contributing to a more sustainable future, even in small ways.