Sustainable Aviation Fuels
Reducing aviation emissions by up to 70%
Jet Zero Australia is at the forefront of sustainable aviation with its groundbreaking Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) project. The initiative aims to address the pressing need to reduce emissions in the aviation sector and transform fuel production in Australia. The partnership with Cairns Airport and the North Queensland refinery will help the region transition to Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF). Additionally, utilisation of the renewable diesel produced alongside the SAF will help decarbonise the marine fleet that transports millions of tourists to the reef each year.
A growing opportunity for Northern Queensland
Jet Zero Australia’s SAF project is one of the most advanced in Australia. Over the course of three years, the business has conducted feasibility studies and secured funding that has enabled the project to progress through to engineering and design. The team are hopeful that they will be producing SAF in northern Australia, for Australia by 2027.
The plant will produce over 113 million litres of low carbon biofuels each year, which will only cater for 1% of the domestic fuel market and is only a sixth of what Qantas has committed to using by 2030. With this in mind, Jet Zero Australia is confident of the expansion opportunities beyond this first stage.
“Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a huge market growing globally. It’s used to help decarbonise the aviation industry.
Australians fly regularly, and over long distances, so it’s no surprise that we’re the world's 8th largest jet fuel consumer. This is why SAF presents a substantial opportunity, domestically and internationally.”
Ed Mason, Managing Director, Jet Zero Australia
Why North Queensland?
When deciding where to locate their biofuel refinery, the team at Jet Zero Australia took into account a range of beneficial factors that North Queensland provides. Firstly, the region's pro-industry mindset, combined with a site in Townsville that encourages biofuel refineries, made the position attractive for establishing a plant here. Secondly, port access will enable smooth logistics in helping move SAF around Australia.
Another benefit for our region is the substantial investment in renewable energy within Queensland, which the plant will utilise in its production of SAF. Finally, the North Queensland region has the largest areas for feedstock from the region’s agricultural activities.
SAF benefits for agriculture and tourism.
The project has the potential to capitalise on Far North Queensland’s rich supply of SAF feedstocks, such as agricultural residues and biomass from sugarcane. This presents an opportunity to provide the farming sector with a sustainable baseline of ongoing income, through supplying feedstock to the biorefinery.
The production of SAF itself also creates green diesel as a byproduct, cementing the circular benefits of this project. The maritime sector has been wrestling with the issue of decarbonising its reef marine fleet. By creating green diesel, SAF can actually provide the answer to this challenge.
“Another exciting opportunity arising from SAF is that an accompanying product produced is renewable diesel, helping to decarbonise the region's marine fleet. This is particularly important for the sector that attracts millions of tourists to our stunning Great Barrier Reef every year.
Jacinta Reddan, CEO, Advance Cairns
*Disclaimer: This case study showcases an innovative approach in Cairns’ Smart Green Economy. While this project is not owned by Cairns Regional Council, and the presentation of this case study does not imply Council endorsement, it is our aim to highlight some of the exciting initiatives in our region and inspire positive change within our community.