The WA Government is backing the local biofuels industry with a $1.2 million investment going towards developing an Advanced Biofuels Strategy.
The investment will look to leverage the state’s vast supplies of oat, wheat and barley stubble, where crop residue can provide a strong source of bioethanol and other biofuels.
Churchill Capital Consulting and GHD will partner to deliver the Advanced Biofuels Strategy, supported by comprehensive economic analysis of WA’s biomass feedstocks, supply chains and technology pathways.
“Advanced biofuels are vital additions to the clean energy mix, which have potential to supply industry across our vast state with a sustainable alternative in the race to decarbonise,” WA Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis said.
“Together with WA’s abundance of biomass feedstock, it makes sense to support the development of this exciting industry with a comprehensive Advanced Biofuels Strategy.”
The investment forms part of the WA Government’s Made in WA Plan and net-zero emissions by 2050 goal.
The $1.4 billion Made in WA Plan is focused on incentivising local manufacturing and downstream industries, reducing reliance on imports and promoting local energy production.
Stakeholder consultation for the Advanced Biofuels Strategy will commence shortly.
It comes after the Federal Government recently announced it had opened submissions for a National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy, which could generate $10 billion of value for Australia.
The National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy will be focused on developing clear, coordinated direction to support sustainable production of bioenergy feedstock, supporting stakeholders in addressing key bioenergy challenges such as feedstock availability, infrastructure and technology needs.
“Australia’s low-carbon fuels sector is at a historic turning point,” Bioenergy Australia chief executive officer Shahana McKenzie said.
“Momentum has never been stronger, and it will only accelerate in the coming months as both the National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy and National Renewable Gas Policies are designed, the $1.1 billion government investment is deployed, and industry unites to fuel the next generation of low-carbon fuels.”
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