World’s First Study for Cleaner Aviation Fuel

AUSTRALIA – The Biofuels Association of Australia has been working with CSIRO together with Australasia’s major aviation players in a world-first study to help reduce greenhouse gas emissions from air transport by helping to develop a sustainable aviation fuels industry.

Called the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Road Map, the study aims to accelerate the development and commercialisation of a sustainable aviation fuels industry in Australia and New Zealand.

The project has developed in collaboration with the Australasian section of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (SAFUG) – including Air New Zealand, Boeing, Qantas and Virgin Blue – together with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO).

Aviation accounts for two per cent of the world’s total greenhouse gas emissions. Cleaner jet fuels derived from plant matter (known as bio-oil) offer the largest single opportunity to reduce emissions while ensuring long-term fuel security for the sector.

The road map will examine the barriers, opportunities and implications of producing bio-derived jet fuels at scale, including: commercial viability; environmental sustainability; and alternative biomass feedstocks (such as algae and more traditional forest and agricultural products) for producing aviation biofuels in the Australasian climate and region.

Aviation is fundamental to the Australian economy and way of life. The tourism industry alone creates jobs for half a million Australians and contributes billions of dollars to our economy.

The study will draw on the expertise of participants and use sophisticated economic modelling to map out future scenarios. It is intended to provide useful input to decision makers in industry and government on strategic policy and future investment, through the release of a public report in October 2010.

Participants in the Sustainable Aviation Fuels Road Map include the Biofuels Association of Australia along with Air New Zealand; Boeing; Qantas; Virgin Blue; Defence Science and Technology Organisation; Airbus; Australian Defence Force; Brisbane Airport Corporation; Bioenergy Association of New Zealand; GE; Honeywell UOP; New South Wales Office of Biofuels; Pratt & Whitney; Queensland Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation; Rolls-Royce; Royal Aeronautical Society Australian Division; South Australian Department of Premier & Cabinet; The Climate Group; Victorian Department of Innovation and Regional Development; and WWF.