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Renewable Gases

Investment in Sustainability & Innovation

Consistent with New Zealand’s transition to a net zero carbon economy by 2050, the use of fossil gas in New Zealand is to be phased out by 2035.

Low and zero carbon gases, such as hydrogen and biogas, are already being developed and trialled for energy supply in New Zealand and abroad.

Modern gas appliances are efficient, and most could already take a blend of natural gas with renewable natural gas or hydrogen gas. Future appliances will be able to take 100% renewable and zero emissions gases and are under development.

To promote and continue the development of specialised renewable gas appliances, manufacturers and suppliers need commitment from the Government that sufficient investment will be made in renewable gas technology and infrastructure.

Hydrogen, biogas, renewable natural gas and renewable LPG are clean or green gases that can be made from renewable resources without releasing more CO₂into the environment than they have taken out.

HYDROGEN: Renewable hydrogen gas is produced using renewable electricity, by separating hydrogen from water. Renewable hydrogen gas is referred to as green hydrogen. In the future, it is possible that hydrogen gas will be used in homes in much the same way as fossil gas.

BIOGAS: Biogas has been around for a while and is already used in many industries. It’s naturally produced from the decomposition of organic waste during anaerobic digestion. When biogas is processed to regulatory pipeline standards, it is considered renewable natural gas.

Appropriate credentials must also be developed for trade professionals working with renewable gas to ensure safety and consistency across the industry. Master Plumbers has aligned with GasNZ and Master Plumbers Australia to develop quality standards and training for gasfitters in preparation for the future roll-out of renewable gas. However, more commitment is needed from Government to create and enforce a robust training system.

Licence endorsements could be utilised to formally recognise licence holders who have met the relevant training standards and are deemed commercially competent to work in a renewable gas specialty.

Our Action Plan

Commitment from Government that renewable gas will be part of the energy transition
The development of practical training via licence endorsements
Robust standards for gasfitters in the use of renewable gases, such as biogas and hydrogen
Create a new Centre of Excellence for gas training, including hydrogen and biogas.