The Master Plumbers Association (MPA) of NSW is deeply concerned about the lack of research and due diligence of several Sydney Councils into biomethane, a 100% renewable gas, being produced at Jemena’s Malabar facility.
It is puzzling why the Sydney City, Randwick, and Waverley Councils are not embracing this green energy source on their doorstep instead of pursuing a coal-fired powered electrification path for all new builds.
MPA CEO Nathaniel Smith said, “The decision to prioritise electrification over renewable gas utilisation carries significant consequences for the residents of NSW. These councils risk overburdening the already strained NSW electrical grid by focusing solely on electrification. This threatens to increase electricity prices and forces the grid to rely more on coal for power generation rather than harnessing biomethane’s cleaner, renewable potential.”
He also said, “MPA NSW commends Premier Chris Minns MP and the NSW government for taking a stand against these councils that seem to be driven by a misguided agenda of Ideology over commonsense. It is essential to prioritise the well-being of the community and the environment over ideologically driven decisions that could ultimately impact people’s lives.”
And “The evidence is clear: renewable gas, such as biomethane, is a viable and sustainable energy source that should be harnessed for the benefit of all NSW residents. By promoting the use of renewable gas, we can reduce the strain on the electrical grid, mitigate rising electricity costs, and significantly decrease our reliance on coal power.”
The Master Plumbers Association NSW strongly urges the Sydney City, Randwick, and Waverley Councils to reconsider their approach and collaborate with the NSW government and Industry experts to explore the potential of biomethane and other renewable energy sources. We must make informed, sustainable choices that serve the best interests of our communities, our environment, and our future.
