PERTH (miningweekly.com) – The Australian Petroleum Production and Exploration Association (Appea) on Thursday said that its members in Western Australia were committed to a cleaner energy future and will continue to work closely with the state government  on measures that reduce greenhouse-gas emissions in line with global targets.

The comments come as the state government released its Sectoral Emissions Reduction Strategies (SERS), aimed at reducing emissions and contributing to the critical goals set by the Paris Agreement.

The state government is partnering with business, industry, research institutions and the community to develop sectoral emissions reduction strategies and transition its economy to net-zero emissions

The sectoral emissions reductions strategies will provide robust and credible emissions reduction pathways for Western Australia with tangible actions for reducing emissions consistent with the government’s target of net-zero emissions by 2050, and will recognise the importance of significant action this decade to reduce emissions, transition emissions-intensive industries and protect Western Australia’s economy from carbon transition risks.

Appea director for Western Australia, Claire Wilkinson, said the oil and gas industry was already playing a key role in reducing emissions by supporting renewable energies, delivering cleaner energy compared to traditional fuel sources, and developing low emission technologies.

“We take our responsibility to reduce emissions seriously and will work constructively with the Western Australian government to lower emissions while providing the reliable energy we all depend on,” Wilkinson said.

“The Western Australian oil and gas industry looks forward to working with government to deliver the most consistent and appropriate settings to reduce emissions and appreciates the collaborative approach.

“We need ongoing reliable and affordable energy as we reduce emissions in Western Australia, which makes natural gas the ideal partner to intermittent renewable energy sources such as wind and solar. Natural gas allows for more renewables to be integrated into the grid due to the short startup time needed for gas-fired generators.

“Technology will play an important role in reducing emissions and our members are leading the development of low emission technologies such as hydrogen and carbon capture and storage. As the Minister’s paper says, we need all the tools in the decarbonisation toolbox,” said Wilkinson.

“We are also focussed on operational improvements such as minimising flaring and venting that have already reduced emissions.”

She added that as government and industry work together on a SERS for the oil and gas sector, Appea would aim to avoid any unintended consequences or regulatory duplication that could impact investment in Western Australia.