Collaboration to Create Environmentally-Friendly Biofuel by South Australian and Chinese Scientists
Australia is focused on becoming a key exporter of biofuels due to its comparative advantage in supporting production of this resource.
Aviation experts from the University of South Australia (UniSA) are collaborating with their Chinese counterparts to establish a sustainable biofuel industry in both countries.
This collaboration stems from the $1.7 billion (US$1.1 billion) federal budget allocation prioritizing renewable fuels for the aviation industry over the next decade.
The Australian Trade and Investment Commission (ATIC) states that Australia’s goal is to become a major biofuels exporter, leveraging its comparative advantage to support resource production.
“Sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) have the potential to reduce carbon emissions by up to 80 percent and are vital for achieving net-zero greenhouse gas emissions in Australia by 2050,” remarked UniSA Aviation professor Shane Zhang.
He added, “Both Australia and China have ample bio feedstock and untapped markets, making sustainable aviation fuels production feasible in both countries.”
The Albanese government has allocated $18.5 billion over four years to develop a certification scheme for sustainable aviation fuels and renewable diesel. An additional $1.5 million will fund a two-year analysis of implementing mandates.
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These initiatives reflect the Albanese government’s commitment to supporting the growth of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) and biofuels in Australia. SAFs are jet fuels derived from renewable sources like biomass.
The Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) indicates that SAFs can help Australia achieve net-zero emissions by 2050 while fostering new industries and job opportunities for Australians amidst the anticipated increase in air travel demand over the next two decades.
Professor Zhang plans to lead eight events in China and Australia with his Chinese colleagues over the next two years to explore commercializing standard sustainable aviation fuels for future use.
Although SAFs are still emerging, the demand is expected to rise as more countries consider mandating their usage to address climate change impacts.
“The technology is advanced and the federal government’s support for greener aviation fuels is evident. We need to overcome challenges and chart the right course forward,” Mr. Zhang highlighted.
Reuters previously reported that biofuel companies are investing over US$1 billion into constructing China’s first facility to convert discarded cooking oil into aviation fuel for export and local demand in the coming years.
The partnership between UniSA and selected Chinese experts is poised to generate sustainable aviation fuels for both nations, given their abundant bio feedstock and other resources.
“Australia is among a handful of countries worldwide promoting the shift to SAFs, but the financial investment in developing a local industry currently doesn’t extend to a mandate,” Mr. Zhang further mentioned.
In April, Qantas announced that 11 companies are opting to pay a premium to offset their air travel emissions by contributing to SAF costs through the airline’s corporate sustainable aviation program, instead of traditional carbon offsets.
“The increasing demand from Australian businesses for SAF signifies confidence in domestic biofuel production,” noted Qantas Group Chief Sustainability Officer Andrew Parker.
