Grant applications for research into cutting methane emissions in the Australian resources industry have opened, the Australian Government announced.
Minister for Resources and Northern Australia Madeleine King said the Resources Methane Abatement Fund would offer around $8.5 million in grants to universities and research institutes to explore initiatives to reduce methane emissions from Australia’s coal and gas industry.
“The Australian government is committed to lowering emissions and playing a lead role in helping the world decarbonise and fight climate change,” Minister King stated.
The Minister noted that emissions from coal and gas projects account for roughly 29% of the country’s methane emissions.
“The Albanese Government is determined to lower emissions from the resources sector, and we will work with industry to decarbonise and curb fugitive methane emissions,” she reiterated.
According to the Minister, methane abatement technology, once commercially available, will assist Australia in reaching net zero emissions by 2050.
She added that the grants program also supported the country’s commitments under the Global Methane Pledge and amendments to the Safeguard Mechanism.
