Australia’s Renewable Energy Agency (Arena) this week pledged AU$30 million in funding to support the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in the country. The open initiative invites proposals for commercial or pre-commercial SAF production, offering grants of AU$1 million and up to support engineering feasibility and project development activities or development of pilot scale and pre-commercial production facilities.
To be successful, those submitting proposals will have to demonstrate that they use or process an eligible renewable feedstock and production pathway. Power-to-liquids (PtL) and e-fuels production pathways will not be considered eligible. This initiative seeks to deliver on the findings of Arena’s Bioenergy Roadmap from 2021, which found that SAF produced from renewable biomass could provide up to 19 percent of Australia’s aviation fuel requirements by 2030.
“For a country so reliant on aviation for passenger and freight transport, it’s essential that we find ways to reduce emissions from this critical sector,” said Arena CEO Darren Miller. “With abundant agriculture, waste, and residue resources, Australia has the potential to support a thriving domestic biofuel industry.”
Applications for the SAF initiative are now open, with expressions of interest due by November 1.