Gas

When we talk about gas in relation to energy, we are mainly referring to natural gas - the main fuel flowing through our gas networks or being converted to liquefied natural gas (LNG) and exported. Natural gas is an important part of Western Australia’s energy mix, working flexibly alongside energy storage to support solar and wind generation when it is needed.

Our gas power stations burn natural gas mixed with oxygen. The hot gas expands and rushes through a turbine, making it spin. This turns a generator, making electricity that travels through the power grid to homes, businesses and buildings. Gas-fired power typically produces 50% less carbon emissions than coal-fired power plants.

Gas plays an important role in WA’s energy transition. Solar and wind generation can vary with the weather and wind conditions. Over time, spreading renewable projects across a range of locations and growing our energy storage capacity will help address this. Until then, gas-fired generation gives us a flexible backup that can be turned on quickly if renewable generation slows due to the weather, or if energy demand suddenly increases.

This flexibility helps keep the system stable and secure, providing an essential back-up as coal is phased out, and while new renewable generation and energy storage capacity continue to grow. This makes gas an important tool for ensuring a reliable energy supply while we build a cleaner future.