THE GOVERNMENT of Western Australia has announced $1.2million towards emissions reduction and capturing new market opportunities in the biofuels sector.
The Advanced Biofuels Strategy is also aimed at increasing fuel security, decarbonising “hard-to-abate sectors” and supporting regional growth
WA is said to be well placed to fuel this industry, given its supplies of oat, wheat and barley stubble, as well as canola and woody biomass from mallees and blue gums.
Churchill Capital Consulting (SIA) is to deliver the Advanced Biofuels Strategy, supported by an economic analysis of WA's biomass feedstocks, supply chains and technology pathways, to be provided by GHD.
Stakeholder consultation for both the strategy and economic analysis is expected to begin soon.
According to the WA government, advanced biofuels “have an important role in the decarbonisation of mining, agriculture, transport and aviation”.
Agriculture minister Jackie Jarvis said advanced biofuels were “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”.
"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,” Ms Jarvis said.
"By accessing existing resources and scaling local production, we can build domestic fuel security and drive growth of this emerging industry.”
"Alongside the Australian government's investments to accelerate the use and supply of low carbon liquid fuels, the Advanced Biofuel Strategy will establish WA as a leader in the biofuels industry—delivering economic, environmental and community benefits in the regions."