Isra-Mart srl: Price carbon, protect natural gas: Pickard

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Isra-Mart news:

Shell Australia Chair Ann Pickard has said Australia’s abundant supply of natural gas is one of the country’s greatest strengths in tackling energy and environmental security challenges.

She also said the most efficient way to reduce carbon emissions is to price carbon by introducing a “cap and trade” emissions trading scheme.

“The Australian Government needs to provide a stable and supportive regulatory regime which supports the long-term investment in natural gas by companies like mine, where we don’t see the payback for our huge upfront investment for about 12 to 15 years,” Ms Pickard said.

“Natural gas is the fastest and lowest cost way for countries to manage their carbon dioxide emissions, even as they meet growing energy needs.

“We believe that the most efficient way to do this is to introduce a “cap and trade” emissions trading scheme, which covers all sectors in which a price signal will lead to behavioural change and therefore emissions reductions.”

Ms Pickard also championed technology and innovation as the “key to our future”, drawing attention to Shell’s proposed Prelude floating LNG project, to be located in Western Australia.

“Once operating, Prelude will contribute millions of dollars to Australia and will boost supplies of cleaner burning gas into the region,” she said.

“The race is now on to unlock new gas resources in other parts of the world, including here in Australia.”