Australian army active in fuel-security transition

An Australian light-armored vehicle from the army's school of armor tops up with renewable diesel (RD30) at the defense fuel installation at the Puckapunyal base. (Photo: Major Peter Nugent)

The Australian defense force (ADF) announced Sept. 1 that the first 15,000-liter (3,963-gallon) renewable diesel delivery to its army’s school of armor at the Puckapunyal training facility and base is already powering the fleet.

Aaron Cimbaljevic, a lieutenant colonel and the school’s commanding officer, said the delivery was an important step in building energy resilience.

“In line with our national defense strategy, the army needs robust redundancy across energy needs and supplies,” Cimbaljevic said.

Emily Wilson, a Central Victoria defense fuel-installation operator from UGL Ltd., checks a sample of renewable diesel (RD30) from the fuel tanks at Puckapunyal. (Photo: Major Peter Nugent)

Known as RD30, the 30 percent renewable diesel blend is a key part of the Australian army’s transition to low-carbon liquid fuels.

It will first be used in the legacy fleet of M113 armored personnel carriers and Australian light-armored vehicles.

Mark Baldock, director general fuel capability brigadier, said this was to ensure no performance degradation while maintaining full operational capability.

“Partnering with [the army’s school of armor]—one of the army’s largest fuel users—will help accelerate the integration of renewable diesel as part of delivering against the ADF’s energy-security objectives,” Baldock said.

The Australian army’s involvement in the energy-transition program reflects the defense force’s broader push towards a sustainable and resilient energy system, according to the department—one that can support military readiness while reducing carbon emissions.