A new report released today by Blunomy and Energy Networks Australia (ENA) reveals biomethane could meet up to 96% of current East Coast gas demand by simply tapping into the waste we already produce. 

The Biomethane Opportunities to Decarbonise Australian Industry report finds approximately 400 petajoules (PJ) of biomethane could be recoverable annually from existing feedstocks such as food and garden waste, agricultural residues and livestock by-products. This renewable gas could be directly injected into Australia’s existing gas networks, offering a pathway to decarbonise industries where electrification is not viable. 

ENA Chief Executive Dominique van den Berg said the findings highlight biomethane’s role as a critical enabler of Australia’s net zero ambitions. 

“This is not about waiting on emerging technologies—biomethane is here now, and we have the infrastructure  to deliver it,” she said. “With further support, this solution could reduce emissions, divert waste and strengthen regional economies.” 

Importantly, the report shows the first 50 PJ of biomethane could be delivered at $10–27/GJ, with costs expected to fall further through supportive policy and improved recovery practices. Setting clear targets and policies to unlock this first portion of biomethane will provide critical learnings to understand how much of Australia’s industry could be powered by biomethane well into the future. 

While biomethane is already a key part of decarbonisation strategies in Europe and North America, ENA is calling for Australian policymakers to seize the opportunity here with policies that help unlocking feedstock access and supporting further market development. 

“Biomethane should be included in policies and schemes that support the decarbonisation of Australian Industry. It is already successfully being used in parts of the country including NSW where the Malabar waste facility generates enough renewable gas for more than 6000 homes.  

“Simply expanding the Hydrogen Headstart Program and the Hydrogen Tax Credit Incentive Scheme to include biomethane would immediately create investment opportunities to put Australian industry on a path to a financially and environmentally sustainable future” van den Berg said.  

The findings complement the report Unlocking Renewable Natural Gas to Enhance Energy Security and Maintain Australia’s Manufacturing Sector released today by Bioenergy Australia that builds the business case for biomethane to help decarbonise Australian industry. 

ENA is urging governments, industry and regulators to set ambitious targets and implement polices that support the deployment of biomethane and says networks are ready and able to deliver it.  

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Media contact: cginn@energynetworks.com.au 0409246966