A research conducted by Sydney Airport has found strong public support for developing a domestic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) industry in Australia, with many Australians seeing it as an opportunity to create regional jobs, support farmers and strengthen local manufacturing, biofuels international reported.
The study showed that Australia already produces several feedstocks required to make SAF, including agricultural crops, crop residues, used cooking oil and household waste. However, much of this material is currently exported overseas for processing into fuel.
Sydney Airport Chief Executive Officer Scott Charlton said Australia has a significant opportunity to build a new regional industry around sustainable aviation fuel.
He said producing SAF locally could help cut aviation emissions while creating jobs, supporting farmers and improving the country’s fuel security. Charlton added that the airport continues to advocate for policy measures that encourage demand for low-carbon liquid fuels.
Referring to global supply concerns, he said the ongoing tensions in the Middle East highlight the need for policies that attract investment and help secure domestic fuel supplies.
Charlton also noted that mandates for SAF are expanding globally and said Australia should introduce measures to boost local production using feedstocks that are currently exported.
According to the research conducted in early March, awareness of sustainable aviation fuel remains relatively low among Australians, particularly among those who had not flown in the past year. However, support rises to about 60 percent once people understand how SAF works and its potential benefits.
Charlton said the findings show that Australians want to see the industry developed locally because of the potential benefits for farmers, regional communities and the country’s long-term fuel security.
