Biofuels strategy to help WA capitalise on industry opportunities

• $1.2 million investmentto help WA capitalise on competitive advantages and attract investment in biofuel projects
• Strategy part of Cook Government's Made in WA Plan and the State's net zero emissions by 2050 goal
• Emerging biofuels industry to increase fuel security, decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors, and support regional growth
  

The Cook Government has injected $1.2 million into developing an Advanced Biofuels Strategy to manoeuvre Western Australia into a strong position to capture new market opportunities and drive emissions reduction.

The strategy delivers on a 2025 election commitment and will help WA capitalise on its competitive advantages and attract investment in the production of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel.

WA is well placed to fuel this emerging industry, with ready supplies of oat, wheat and barley stubble, as well as canola and woody biomass from mallees and blue gums.

Churchill Capital Consulting Pty Ltd (trading as SIA) will deliver the Advanced Biofuels Strategy, supported by a comprehensive economic analysis of WA's biomass feedstocks, supply chains and technology pathways, to be provided by GHD Pty Ltd.

Stakeholder consultation for both the strategy and economic analysis will commence soon.

Advanced biofuels have an important role in the decarbonisation of mining, agriculture, transport and aviation, supporting the Cook Government's economic diversification and regional growth goals.

This initiative forms part of the Cook Government's ambitious Made in WA Plan to encourage local manufacturing and value adding industries, reduce reliance on imports, promote local energy production, create skilled jobs, and increase economic diversification.

Comments attributed to Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis:

"Advanced biofuels are 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.

"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."