Is making biofuels from canola and corn the solution to Australia's future jet fuel shortages?
Australia's aviation industry is exploring biofuels as a solution to future jet fuel shortages, with the government investing in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production. Australia currently exports feedstocks and imports refined SAF, but has the potential to produce 60% of its aviation fuel demand domestically.
Australia's aviation industry is facing rising fuel costs, prompting interest in biofuels as a long-term solution. Qantas and Virgin have cut domestic flights due to a 150% increase in jet fuel costs since the Middle East war began. Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) can be made from oilseeds like canola, sugar cane, and agricultural waste. Australia uses 10 billion litres of jet fuel annually, expected to rise 75% by 2050. Currently, no Australian refineries produce SAF, with the country exporting feedstocks and importing refined SAF. The government has launched a $1.1 billion Cleaner Fuels Program and invested in SAF facilities. Australia has enough feedstock to produce 60% of its aviation fuel demand, approximately 5 billion litres per year.
This content was automatically generated and/or translated by AI. It may contain inaccuracies. Please refer to the original sources for verification.