Australia-NZ biofuels industry could take off, states report

Compiled by CSIRO (the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation) and aviation partners, the Flight Path to Sustainable Aviation report predicts that, over the next 20 years, a new and sustainable Australia-New Zealand aviation fuels industry could cut greenhouse gas emissions by 17 per cent, generate more than 12,000 jobs and reduce Australia’s reliance on aviation fuel imports by $2bn (£1.2bn) per annum.

‘This study highlights promising options for the aviation industry,’ said project lead Paul Graham, CSIRO Energy Transformed Flagship’s economist. ‘It also identifies the market, infrastructure and governance changes that will be required for success.

‘Through the uptake of sustainable bio-derived jet fuel, together with next-generation aircraft and engines, the industry can reduce both its emissions and its reliance on imported fossil fuel.’

According to CSIRO, the study was commissioned by and developed in collaboration with the members of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group — including Air New Zealand, Boeing, Qantas and Virgin Australia — together with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation (DSTO) and The Climate Group.