Report recommends mallee jet fuel

The Future Farm Industries CRC has published a report revealing the strong potential of aircraft powered by biofuel made from Australian mallee trees. The report was launched during the CRC Association Annual Conference in Perth.

The Future Farm Industries CRC Sustainable Mallee Jet Fuel project assessed the environmental, social and economic sustainability of growing mallee biomass in south-western Australia and converting that biomass to jet fuel. The project was commissioned by Airbus, collaborating with a consortium comprising Virgin Australia, GE, Renewable Oil Corporation, Dynamotive Energy Systems Corporation and Future Farm Industries CRC.

CRC Research Director Dr John McGrath said the project looked at the Great Southern region of WA as a case study, examining the potential of a complete industry supply chain from grower to aviation user. There were two parts to the study: the ‘sustainability assessment’, which assessed the sustainability of the proposed value chain; and the ‘life cycle assessment’ (LCA), which compared potential greenhouse gas emissions, cumulative energy demand and fossil fuel depletion with and without mallee cropping and processing.

“We already know that mallee growing integrates well with farm crop and livestock operations and can benefit natural resources in a number of ways, such as protecting and enhancing biodiversity, and contributing to rebalancing water tables,” said Dr McGrath. “What this report demonstrates is that mallees can provide a future economic benefit to farmers and regional communities, with a viable industry possible by 2021.

“The scenario tested was based on what we know from existing plantings, and indicates that mallees could occupy up to 6% of paddocks, or about 1% of the Great Southern region.”

Key points from the report are as follows:

• The proposed mallee-based biofuels industry could provide employment for 40 people and bring about $30 million per year with the first regional plant.
• Jet flights leaving Perth Airport powered by 100% mallee jet fuel sourced from Great Southern region farms could emit around 40% less greenhouse gases compared to those using petroleum-based jet fuel.
• Great Southern farmers growing mallees on marginal cropping soils will benefit from higher profits and more uniform income, offsetting variable crop income.
• Integrated trees only cover a small part of the landscape, so mallees grown for jet fuel would not significantly displace food crops.

Speaking at the report launch, Airbus New Energies Programme Manager Frédéric Eychenne said, “The outcome of this report is very positive and supports Airbus’ global strategy of seeking the best local solutions for the development and commercialisation of sustainable fuels for aviation.

“Since 2008, Airbus has been engaged in a worldwide program to develop solutions, and this report is an important step towards achieving the goals the industry has set itself for carbon-neutral growth.”

Virgin Australia Regional Airlines Group Executive Merren McArthur added that “the results show mallee jet fuel is a more sustainable option than our current fossil-based fuel supply while also providing valuable insights into potential new supply-chain developers. We look forward to supporting the Mallee jet fuel project as it continues to evolve and getting one step closer to seeing a commercial supply of biofuel developed in Western Australia.”

The report can be found on the CRC’s website at http://www.futurefarmonline.com.au/research/new-woody-crops/sustainable-jet-fuel.htm.