In Focus: How Boeing's Advancing Australia's SAF Economy
The aviation sector significantly influences global emissions, particularly as one of the industries most challenging to decarbonise.
It's increasingly recognised that major changes are essential for reducing its carbon footprint.
Key to this transformation is the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), a primary focus for future industry developments.
Leading this charge in Australia is Boeing who, in collaboration with CSIRO, aims to significantly enhance SAF production capacities.
This partnership could place Australia at the forefront of global SAF production, aligning with broader environmental goals.
Boeing and CSIRO released an update on SAF's progress in its SAF State of Play report, a year after the initial SAF Roadmap of 2023. This document highlights key developments, challenges and opportunities in establishing a robust domestic SAF industry.
Maria Fernandez, President of Boeing Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific, says: “Around 80% of aircraft carbon emissions come from flights over 1,500 kilometres where alternatives are impractical.
Government support in accelerating SAF
Australia has seen proactive support from both federal and state governments to facilitate the emergence of a viable SAF industry.
The federal government's Transport and Infrastructure Net Zero Consultation Roadmap, updated in May 2024, acknowledges the vital role of SAF in achieving net zero objectives.
The Aviation White Paper delineates 14 SAF-actionable items including possible mandates and framework for certifications.
On a statewide level, Queensland and New South Wales have committed resources towards early-stage SAF ventures, such as feasibility studies and the creation of multi-seed processing facilities, intending to kick-start domestic production and attract further investments.
Maria says sustaining long-term industry commitment will be essential for the successful implementation of SAF strategies.
“Stable policy and government-backed procurement agreements are needed to reassure investors and secure demand,” she says, suggesting that military adoption of SAF — which has already seen successful trials —could be a pioneering market that supports the scaling up of the technology.
Collaborative efforts key to upscale SAF
In the industrial sphere, collaboration is proving crucial for the advancement of SAF production in Australia.
Boeing is partnering with Wagner Sustainable Fuels to create the nation’s first SAF blending facility, aimed for launch by early 2025.
LanzaJet and Jet Zero Australia are also making headlines, collaborating on a project in Townsville which will produce over 102 million litres of SAF per year from ethanol.
Nevertheless, this journey isn't without its setbacks.
The proposed US$500m Oceania Biofuels project in Gladstone was abandoned, shedding light on the real challenges faced such as feedstock supply reliability and competitive pricing.
Kirsten Rose, CSIRO’s Deputy CEO, says: “Achieving cost-competitive SAF solutions requires tailored policy, strategic investment, and industry collaboration.”
Optimising natural resources and innovation
Australia is well-positioned to become a leader in SAF due to its abundant natural resources.
The Boeing and CSIRO report suggests that domestic resources could meet up to 60% of local demand for jet fuel by 2025, potentially increasing to 90% by 2050 with enhanced hydrogen integration.
As Kirsten explains, to leverage this potential “we must ensure our sustainability credentials are internationally recognised".
She adds: "This not only facilitates exports but also builds consumer and industry trust domestically.”
The path to a sustainable aviation fuel market in Australia is punctuated by innovations, government initiatives and international collaborations.
Watch this space as Australia strives not just to compete but to lead in the global SAF arena.
As Maria aptly sums up: “Collaboration across sectors and borders will determine whether Australia seizes this opportunity to lead.”
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