Ampol and ENEOS set to explore advanced biofuels production in Brisbane with the aim of developing a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) hub.
Under a memorandum of understanding signed with the Queensland Government, both companies will assess the feasibility of delivering the project at Ampol’s Lytton refinery site.
The plant would have the capacity to generate up to 500 million litres of SAF and renewable diesel a year.
“This project is another exciting step towards Queensland becoming a clean energy powerhouse,” Queensland Deputy Premier Steven Miles said.
Initial work on the project will include looking at potential feedstock sources and how existing refinery infrastructure can be leveraged for use in domestic and export markets.
“Biofuels and synthetic fuels have an important role to play in energy transition, particularly in hard to abate areas such as aviation, and heavy industrial sectors like mining.
“As we continue our work to build new solutions for customers, we are excited to partner with a global leader like ENEOS to further assess opportunities to repurpose our existing infrastructure and build new supply chains.
“Lytton has a large and highly skilled workforce, and existing manufacturing infrastructure and capabilities that can be leveraged to deliver these future fuels,” Ampol managing director and chief executive officer Matt Halliday said.
Sustainable fuel is one of the strongest tools available to airlines to reduce emissions, but it is not currently being produced in Australia at commercial scale.
“Integrated supply chains – from feedstocks to manufacturing and distribution infrastructure – will be critical to the development of a successful and sustainable biofuels industry.
“We are honoured to work with an excellent company like Ampol to jointly consider the best way for SAF production by together bringing the best out of Australia’s SAF production potential,” ENEOS representative director and president Saito Takeshi said.
SAF can be used in existing aircraft engines to cut carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent.
Queensland has a 10-year roadmap and action plan for biofutures which can be viewed here.