Biofuels strategy to help Western Australia capitalize on industry opportunities

The Cook government of Western Australia has injected AUD$1.2 million (USD$ 786,624) into developing an advanced biofuels strategy to maneuver the state into a strong position to capture new market opportunities and drive emissions reduction.

The strategy delivers on a 2025 election commitment and will help Western Australia capitalize on its competitive advantages and attract investment in the production of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

The state is well placed to fuel this emerging industry with ready supplies of oat, wheat and barley stubble, as well as canola and woody biomass from mallees and blue gums, the government stated.

Churchill Capital Consulting will deliver the advanced biofuels strategy, supported by a comprehensive economic analysis of Western Australia’s biomass feedstocks, supply chains and technology pathways, to be provided by GHD.

Stakeholder consultation for both the strategy and economic analysis will begin soon.

Advanced biofuels have an important role in the decarbonization of mining, agriculture, transport and aviation, supporting the Cook government’s economic diversification and regional-growth goals.

This initiative forms part of the government’s plan to encourage local manufacturing and value-adding industries, reduce reliance on imports, promote local energy production, create skilled jobs and increase economic diversification.

“Advanced biofuels are vital additions to the clean-energy mix, which have potential to supply industry across our vast state with a sustainable alternative in the race to decarbonize,” said Jackie Jarvis, Western Australia’s minister of agriculture and food. “Together with Western Australia’s abundance of biomass feedstock, it makes sense to support the development of this exciting industry with a comprehensive advanced biofuels strategy. By accessing existing resources and scaling local production, we can build domestic fuel security and drive growth of this emerging industry. Alongside the Australian government’s investments to accelerate the use and supply of low-carbon liquid fuels, the advanced biofuel strategy will establish Western Australia as a leader in the biofuels industry—delivering economic, environmental and community benefits in the regions.”