Australia's 2018 gas shortage will not eventuate, report shows

Predicted shortfall no longer on horizon - and opening up new coal seam gas fields will not bring down prices, researchers say

A predicted shortage of gas for electricity generation in Australia from 2018 will not eventuate, and the recent surge in domestic prices will not be mitigated by opening up new coal seam gas fields, according to a new report.

In March, the Australian Energy Market Operator (Aemo) predicted that without national reform, Australia would face gas shortages, which would drive power outages, in 2018 and 2019.