The Australian government on Monday said it has set aside A$30 million (about U.S. $20 million) in grant funding to support projects that help develop a sustainable aviation fuel industry using renewable feedstocks available domestically.
The country’s Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) said its Sustainable Aviation Fuels Funding initiative will consider applicants working from any point in the supply chain — from feedstock supply to fuel production — that seek grant funding from A$1 million to A$30 million.
Power-to-liquid or e-fuel production pathways will not be eligible for the grant funding, ARENA said.
“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,” Darren Miller, ARENA’s chief executive officer, said in a news release.
“With abundant agriculture, waste and residue resources, Australia has the potential to support a thriving domestic biofuel industry,” Miller said. “This is about utilizing our natural advantages to reduce emissions and make the most of the economic opportunities on offer.”
ARENA in 2021 said SAF made from renewable biomass could satisfy up to 19% of Australia’s aviation fuel needs by 2030.
Australia’s aviation sector accounts for about 1% of the country’s GHG emissions, the government said, with most of its emissions coming from medium- to long-haul flights.
“Although Australia currently lacks production of SAF,” ARENA said, “it possesses significant potential in renewable feedstocks that could be harnessed to meet both domestic and global SAF supply needs.”
SAF Funding applications are due by Nov. 1.
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Reporting by Aaron Alford, [email protected]; Editing by Jordan Godwin, [email protected]
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