New South Wales, Australia restarts natural gas exploration

```htmlGolden Ten Data reported on April 29th that New South Wales, Australia will open new natural gas exploration areas for the first time in over a decade, aiming to strengthen energy security before supply gaps arise on the densely populated east coast. The New South Wales government stated in a Wednesday announcement that two remote areas in the western part of the state, Bancannia Trough and Pondie Range Trough, are now open for mineral exploration. To attract investment interest, the application fee for exploration permits will be reduced from 50,000 Australian dollars to 1,000 Australian dollars. This move highlights the challenges faced by the Australian government in balancing supply risks and emission reduction targets, with its emission reduction goals currently at risk of being unattainable. According to a report published last month by the Australian Energy Market Operator, as east coast gas fields deplete rapidly, Australia will need to increase natural gas supply starting from 2030.```