Australia plans to use gas beyond 2050 despite objections

Australia plans to continue using natural gas beyond 2050, despite objections from environmental groups. Energy Minister Madeleine King asserted that this fossil fuel source will remain crucial while achieving net-zero emissions targets.

Share:

L'Australie défend sa stratégie gazière au-delà de 2050

Comprehensive energy news coverage, updated nonstop

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access • Archives included • Professional invoice

OTHER ACCESS OPTIONS

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

FREE ACCOUNT

3 articles offered per month

FREE

*Prices are excluding VAT, which may vary depending on your location or professional status

Since 2021: 35,000 articles • 150+ analyses per week

Australia, one of the world’s leading mining powers, has announced its intention to continue using natural gas as a major energy source beyond 2050. Energy Minister Madeleine King stresses that gas will remain essential to support the economy and stabilize the electricity grid as the use of renewable energies increases. Prime Minister Anthony Albanese supports the strategy, saying it is consistent with Australia’s commitments to a net zero emissions future.

Environmental criticism

Environmental groups have strongly criticized this strategy, calling it a “catastrophe” for the climate. Jennifer Rayner, from the Climate Council, said the government must choose between gas and renewables. According to Gavan McFadzean, spokesman for the Australian Conservation Foundation, the project contradicts climate objectives. He points out that gas remains a highly polluting fossil fuel. That it accelerates bushfires, coral bleaching and flooding in Australia.

Australia’s gas outlook

Despite this criticism, the Australian government is planning to explore new gas fields. An initiative taken to support its liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports. In 2023, these exports generated 56 billion euros for the economy. Gas currently accounts for almost a third of the country’s energy consumption, while renewable energies account for just 8.9%. The government is also planning to invest in green energies, with the aim of achieving zero net emissions by 2050.

Challenges and prospects

Australia is at a crossroads between addressing environmental concerns and maintaining its economic position thanks to natural gas. The challenge lies in balancing these priorities, at a time when public opinion is polarizing around the role of gas in the energy transition.
Australia’s plan to use natural gas beyond 2050 reflects the challenges faced by governments seeking to reconcile economic growth with climate commitment. Although controversial, the plan underlines the strategic importance of gas to the Australian economy.

The European Commission unveils a seven-point action plan aimed at lowering energy costs, targeting energy-intensive industries and households facing persistently high utility bills.
The European Commission plans to keep energy at the heart of its 2026 agenda, with several structural reforms targeting market security, governance and simplification.
The new Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)–Japan Innovation Party (Nippon Ishin no Kai) axis combines a nuclear restart, targeted fuel tax cuts and energy subsidies, with immediate effects on prices and risk reallocations for operators. —
German authorities have ruled out market abuse by major power producers during sharp price increases caused by low renewable output in late 2024.
A new International Energy Agency report urges Maputo to accelerate energy investment to ensure universal electricity access and support its emerging industry.
Increased reliance on combined-cycle plants after the April 28 blackout pushed gas use for electricity up by about 37%, bringing total demand to 267.6 TWh and strengthening flows to France.
The United States announces a tariff increase beyond the 10% base rate targeting several Colombian products. Bogotá has recalled its ambassador. The detailed list of tariff lines has not yet been published, while Colombia’s ban on coal exports to Israel remains in effect.
The president-elect outlines a pro-market agenda: gradual reform of fuel subsidies, review of Yacimientos de Litio Bolivianos (YLB) lithium contracts, and monetization of gas transit between Argentina and Brazil, prioritizing supply stabilization.
A three-year partnership has been signed between Senegal and two Quebec-based companies to develop the country’s geoscientific capacity and structure its energy sector through technological innovation.
The South African government plans 105,000 MW of additional capacity by 2039 to redefine its energy mix, support industrialisation, and strengthen supply security.
The Dutch government is initiating legislative reform to extend the Borssele nuclear plant until 2054 and has formalised the creation of a public entity to develop two new reactors.
The United Kingdom unveils a structured plan to double clean energy jobs, backed by over £50 billion ($61.04bn) in private investment and the creation of new training centres across industrial regions.
Vice President Kashim Shettima stated that Nigeria will need to invest more than $23bn to connect populations still without electricity, as part of a long-term energy objective.
EDF’s CEO said electricity prices will remain under control in 2026 as a new pricing system is set to replace the previous mechanism from January 1.
Talks on the Net-Zero Framework, which seeks to regulate greenhouse gas pricing on marine fuels, have been postponed until 2026 following a majority vote initiated by Saudi Arabia.
Enedis will progressively reorganise off-peak hour time slots from 1 November, impacting 14.5 million customers by 2027, under new rules set by the Energy Regulatory Commission.
A report highlights the financial burden of fossil imports during the energy crisis and points to electrification as key to European energy security.
Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu announced a review of public funding for renewable energy, without changing national targets, to avoid rent-seeking effects and better regulate the use of public funds.
The 2025 edition of the Renewable Electricity System Observatory warns of the widening gap between French energy ambitions and industrial reality, requiring immediate acceleration of investments in solar, wind and associated infrastructure.
Kogi State Electricity Distribution Limited reported a ₦1.3bn ($882,011) loss due to power fraud, threatening its operational viability in Kogi State.

All the latest energy news, all the time

Annual subscription

8.25$/month*

*billed annually at 99$/year for the first year then 149,00$/year ​

Unlimited access - Archives included - Pro invoice

Monthly subscription

Unlimited access • Archives included

5.2$/month*
then 14.90$ per month thereafter

*Prices shown are exclusive of VAT, which may vary according to your location or professional status.

Since 2021: 30,000 articles - +150 analyses/week.