Western Australia is taking a major step towards a cleaner freight future, with the Cook Government investing $1.2 million to develop an Advanced Biofuels Strategy designed to capture emerging market opportunities and cut emissions.
The strategy forms part of the government’s Made in WA Plan, aligning with its goal of reaching net zero emissions by 2050. It aims to help the State leverage its natural advantages and attract investment in renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel — both crucial to the freight and logistics sectors.
WA is uniquely positioned for this transition, with ample supplies of oat, wheat, and barley stubble, as well as canola and woody biomass from mallees and blue gums, ready to feed a new generation of energy production.
Churchill Capital Consulting Pty Ltd (trading as SIA) will deliver the strategy, supported by GHD Pty Ltd, which will provide economic analysis of local feedstocks, supply chains and technology options. Stakeholder consultations are set to begin soon, ensuring regional industries and transport operators have input in shaping the plan.
“Advanced biofuels are vital additions to the clean energy mix, which have the potential to supply industry across our vast State with a sustainable alternative in the race to decarbonise,” Agriculture and Food Minister Jackie Jarvis says.
“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,” Jarvis says.
“By accessing existing resources and scaling local production, we can build domestic fuel security and drive growth of this emerging industry,” she says.
“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,” Jarvis says.
With freight and logistics playing a pivotal role in WA’s economy, the strategy is expected to strengthen regional supply chains, reduce reliance on imported fuels, and position the State at the forefront of the clean energy shift.