A road map for sustainable aviation fuels downunder

In Australasia, the Sustainable Aviations Fuels Road Map project has been developed in collaboration with the Australasian section of the Sustainable Aviation Fuel Users Group (Air New Zealand, Boeing, Qantas, and Virgin Blue) together with the Defence Science and Technology Organisation. The project is being coordinated by Australia’s national science agency, the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation. SAFRM is a comprehensive regional assessment, examining all phases of developing a sustainable biofuel industry, including biomass production and harvest, refining, transport infrastructure and actual use by airlines.

Participants are working to identify the barriers, opportunities and implications of producing sustainable bio-derived jet fuels at scale, including:

• commercial viability;
• environmental sustainability;
• alternative biomass feedstocks suitable for growing in that particular region; and
• key policy, commercial and research actions needed.

This assessment draws on the diverse expertise of a broad range of stakeholders to map out future scenarios, including biomass producers, refiners, airport operators, environmental and government organisations, airlines, academic representatives, and airline and engine manufacturers. A final report will be issued in mid-2011 presenting findings.