As Western Australia prepares to retire coal by 2030, the state must deliver a reliable, low-carbon grid at unprecedented speed. To explore how this might be achieved, this week’s Energy Club WA event Molecules and Electrons: Partnering for a Firm and Reliable Future brought together some of the energy sector’s leading voices to consider how gas and electricity systems can work in tandem to support a dependable grid. The panel, facilitated by TBH Director Stuart Cassie, featured Strike Energy’s John Poynton, Energy Policy WA’s Jai Thomas, Rystad Energy’s Sally Bogle, AEMO’s Dean Sharafi and APA’s Dr Gary Bryant.  

Much of the discussion focused on gas and its role as the most practical firming option available to WA today. The state already has reserves, pipelines and a skilled workforce, which positions gas as the quickest and most flexible way to replace coal-fired generation in the near term. Panellists noted that batteries, hydrogen and biomethane may contribute in the future, but gas remains the technology capable of supporting system reliability at scale over the next decade. In this context, gas is expected to play more than a supporting role, providing the backbone of system reliability during the transition. 

Speaking after the event, Cassie said this central role for gas highlights a wider reality: securing the right energy mix is essential, but it will only be effective if the infrastructure to support it is delivered on time. Pipelines, peaking plants and transmission lines must all be planned and built on a timetable that matches the state’s commitments. 

“We have less than five years to build the infrastructure that will underpin the transition,” Cassie said. “That requires absolute clarity on time, cost and risk from the outset.”  

Speakers also pointed to hurdles such as the licence to operate, approvals, financing, construction and transmission, all of which are intensified by tightening resource markets and ambitious climate commitments. With the 2030 deadline drawing closer, every delay risks compressing an already narrow delivery window. 

Cassie said delivery must move in step with technology choice. “It will take rapid development of new generation and supporting infrastructure, from gas plants to the pipelines that serve them, and those projects must be financially viable. That means having a clear handle on timelines, costs and the risks that can affect both.” 

The challenge is not unique to Western Australia. Similar debates are underway across the country as states weigh the role of gas and other firming options in their transition plans. What is clear is that the right mix of technologies will be essential, but so too will the ability to deliver the infrastructure that supports them. 

For Cassie, these are two sides of the same challenge. “Getting the mix right matters, but projects of this scale succeed or fail on their ability to stay on schedule,” he said. “The critical path has to be understood, risks anticipated and milestones met if the transition is to stay on track.”