Australia to Invest $1.1 Billion in Low Carbon Liquid Fuels, Boosting Sustainable Energy Development

The Albanese government is preparing to unveil a significant $1.1 billion investment aimed at fostering the production of low carbon liquid fuels (LCLF) in Australia. This initiative, which is expected to be announced by Treasurer Jim Chalmers and Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen in Brisbane, underscores the government's commitment to expanding its "Future Made in Australia" policy.

Low carbon liquid fuels can be sustainably produced from waste biomass, such as agricultural feedstocks and renewable hydrogen. Bowen has indicated that the focus of Australia’s burgeoning LCLF industry will primarily involve supplying sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel, essential for various sectors reliant on liquid fuels, including transport, mining, agriculture, and construction.

The anticipated investment is poised to invigorate economic growth and job creation in regional areas, promoting agricultural diversification by effectively utilizing excess feedstocks from crops, like sugarcane, and waste products such as tallow. Bioenergy Australia has heralded this move as groundbreaking, emphasizing its potential to decarbonize key industries and reaffirm Australia’s position in the global clean energy transition. CEO Shahana McKenzie noted that this announcement serves as a critical juncture for the industry, instilling confidence in companies to innovate and build within Australia.

With a rising demand for low carbon liquid fuels both domestically and internationally, this investment positions Australia to play a pivotal role in meeting that need. According to the national science agency CSIRO, a robust LCLF industry could yield direct economic benefits ranging from $6 billion to $12 billion annually. However, the agency also highlights lingering concerns regarding the affordability and sustainability of production, as well as competition for feedstocks.

LCLFs have the potential to be transformed into renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), which are already in use at airports across Europe, the US, the UK, and parts of Asia. A partnership announced in May between Sydney Airport, Qantas, and Ampol aims to import nearly two million liters of SAF, set to be blended with conventional aviation fuel. This initiative could facilitate approximately 900 flights from Sydney to Auckland on Qantas and Jetstar's 737 aircraft, significantly reducing carbon emissions by an estimated 3,400 tonnes.