Energy reports
2035 gas reduction target for NSW
Year - 2026 Partners - Lock the Gate
An economy-wide strategy to get NSW off gas will deliver many benefits to households and businesses. NSW can deliver significant reductions in gas use through the deployment of proven technologies at speed and scale (74% of NSW gas use can be replaced with commercially available technology today).
Gas use in NSW has decreased 17% since 2020, largely in the absence of driving policy. An ambitious, achievable and affordable gas reduction target (focussed on electrification) could accelerate this trend and deliver a 36% reduction by 2030 and a 52% reduction by 2035.
A lack of support for industry electrification and fuel switching to date is resulting in industry closures. A 52% reduction in gas use in NSW would cut gas demand by 64.4PJ per year - benefiting households and manufacturing, boosting the State’s energy security, economic resilience and competitiveness.
Reducing gas use is critical for enabling real benefits for NSW households and industry:
A decreased role of expensive gas in the electricity system reduces energy costs and builds energy security for NSW.
Easing household cost of living pressures, and improving household resilience in the face of a changing climate, through more efficient, electric NSW homes.
Reducing manufacturing operating costs, protecting jobs and securing the competitiveness of the NSW manufacturing base, through electrification of industry.
Improving community health by removing gas from homes and workplaces (e.g. commercial kitchens) and reducing exposure to dangerous pollutants.
Enabling long-held ambition of Gomeroi and farming communities to protect the Pilliga from gas extraction.
Contributing to NSW legislated emissions targets by reducing methane and carbon emissions.