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• $8M Investment: Licella’s Queensland biorefinery study aims to produce sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) from sugarcane waste.
• SAF Infrastructure Expansion: Viva Energy receives $2.4M to develop SAF storage and supply systems at Brisbane Airport.
• Emissions Reduction Focus: Projects support Australia’s net-zero targets by decarbonizing the aviation sector.

Australia’s Green Push: Aviation Fuel from Sugarcane Waste

Australia is investing in sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) with a combined $10.4 million in funding to boost green initiatives at Brisbane Airport.

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) will provide $8 million to technology firm Licella for a feasibility study to build a biorefinery in Queensland. The project, named Project Swift, will convert sugarcane waste into 60 million litres of low-carbon liquid fuels annually, with 40 million litres dedicated to SAF.

“By making more fuel on Australian shores from Australian renewable energy and feedstock, we can make our fuel supply stronger, cleaner, and more secure,” said Chris Bowen, Minister for Climate Change and Energy.

The biorefinery will be located at the Isis Central Sugar Mill, using Licella’s patented Catalytic Hydrothermal Reactor (Cat-HTR™) technology. The facility will target agricultural residues, offering a new sustainable pathway for the aviation sector.

Licella CEO Alan Nicholl emphasized the strategic importance of this development:
“We are delighted to receive ARENA’s support as we move forward with the feasibility studies for our Queensland project.”

Viva Energy Expands SAF Infrastructure

In parallel, Viva Energy will receive $2.4 million to upgrade its Pinkenba Terminal, enabling blended SAF supply at Brisbane Airport. The initiative will also establish a “book and claim” system, allowing customers to recognize the carbon reduction benefits of using SAF.

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Licella CEO Alan Nicholl, highlighted the broader industry impact:
“By enhancing our SAF infrastructure, we are not only supporting the aviation industry’s transition to lower carbon emissions but also positioning Viva Energy as a leader in renewable energy solutions.”

Aviation Emissions in Focus

Australia’s aviation sector, accounting for 2% of national greenhouse emissions, is under scrutiny as the country aims for net-zero targets. ARENA CEO Darren Miller pointed out the urgency:
“Decarbonising this high-emissions industry will be vital for us to achieve our net-zero targets.”

The CSIRO and Boeing Australia previously reported that domestic feedstocks could produce nearly 5 billion litres of SAF annually by 2025, demonstrating significant untapped potential.

These projects form part of ARENA’s Sustainable Aviation Fuels Funding Initiative, which has allocated $33.5 million to five projects, with more investments anticipated.

Looking Ahead

As Australia lays the groundwork for a sustainable aviation fuels industry, these projects could transform not just local aviation but also the broader biofuels market. By leveraging agricultural waste, the nation is taking a strategic step toward energy independence, emissions reduction, and economic resilience in the renewable energy sector.

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