The Hon Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change and Energy
The Hon Catherine King MP, Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government
A Bundaberg biorefinery that will convert sugar mill waste into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and a second project to supply SAF at the Brisbane Airport, are taking off with new funding from the Albanese Labor Government.
The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) is providing $8 million to Australian technology developer Licella to assess the viability of establishing a biorefinery facility in the rum city region.
It would be co-located with the Isis Central Sugar Mill, which would provide the agricultural residue feedstock.
If studies prove successful, the biorefinery would be a huge boost for the regional economy and create about 300 construction jobs and 100 ongoing operational roles.
Meanwhile, Viva Energy will receive $2.4 million to demonstrate the storage and use of SAF within the Brisbane Airport.
The funding will help recondition a fuel tank at the Pinkenba Terminal to enable blended SAF supply into the airport for commercial use.
Viva Energy will share its insights with airports across the country, helping ensure airport infrastructure is ready when domestic SAF is available.
Australia is in a unique position to capitalise on a local industry with readily available biomass feedstock, willing offtake interest and existing expertise with liquid fuels that could combine to address domestic jet fuel demand in the 2020s.
This renewable fuel could reduce domestic aviation emissions by up to 80% compared to conventional fossil-based fuel, providing a practical and real pathway to net zero for aviation.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen:
"This ARENA funding is another demonstration of our government's commitment for a Future Made in Australia - using our natural resources to build industry, cut emissions from planes, and create real jobs right now.
"By making more fuel on Australian shores, from Australian renewable energy and feedstock, we can make our fuel supply stronger, cleaner and more secure."
Quotes attributable to Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King:
"The size of our nation means that aviation is often the only option for Australians to get where they need to go.
"The development of a local sustainable aviation fuel industry is a necessity, but also a huge opportunity for job creation in the regions."
