Ampol and ENEOS launch plan to take Qld’s biofuels industry to new heights

• Ampol and Japanese energy giant ENEOS will team up to start a feasibility study for an advanced biofuels manufacturing plant in Brisbane
• The proposed facility could generate up to 500 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel a year
• The project positions Queensland as the leader in the local green jet fuel industry

Queensland is another step closer to becoming the nation’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) hub with Ampol and ENEOS set to explore advanced biofuels production in Brisbane.

Under a memorandum of understanding signed with the Palaszczuk Government today, the companies will assess the feasibility of delivering the project at Ampol’s Lytton refinery site.

The plant would have the capacity to generate up to 500 million litres of SAF and renewable diesel a year - putting Queensland at the forefront of a clean jet fuel market in Australia.

Initial work on the project will include looking at potential feedstock sources and how existing refinery infrastructure can be leveraged for use in domestic and export markets.

Sustainable fuel is one of the strongest tools available to airlines to reduce emissions, but it is not currently being produced in Australia at commercial scale.

SAF can be used in existing aircraft engines to cut carbon emissions by up to 80 per cent.

The announcement comes after the Palaszczuk Government brought key industry players together for a roundtable in November to accelerate the future production of green jet fuels.

Learn more about the Queensland Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan here.

Quotes attributable to Deputy Premier Steven Miles:

“This project is another exciting step towards Queensland becoming a clean energy powerhouse.

“Queensland’s Energy and Jobs plan sets out our path to a low emissions future.

“As part of decarbonisation, the Government is working to set Queensland up as the leading location for the production of green jet fuels.

“We know the world is moving into a low emissions future and there has been a significant increase in demand for low carbon aviation fuel.

“Queensland is recognised internationally as one of the best locations for a SAF supply chain due to our rich supply of feedstock and manufacturing strengths.

“This project has the potential to unlock significant benefits for our economy by generating good, skilled jobs and opening export opportunities in a new industry. 

“The Queensland Government’s plan is to establish SAF refineries across the state and position ourselves as one of the world’s best SAF suppliers.”

Quotes attributable to Member for Lytton Joan Pease:

“The world’s airlines will need green jet fuels in large quantities to reach the goal of net zero emissions by 2050 and Queensland can play a leading role in that journey.

“To be able to do that from right here in Lytton, would be a fantastic achievement and a huge win for the Palaszczuk Labor Government.

“This project is potentially further progress towards our future as the nation’s SAF capital and I’m excited for what the future holds for this region.”

Quotes attributable to Ampol Managing Director and CEO Matt Halliday:

“Biofuels and synthetic fuels have an important role to play in energy transition, particularly in hard to abate areas such as aviation, and heavy industrial sectors like mining.

“As we continue our work to build new solutions for customers, we are excited to partner with a global leader like ENEOS to further assess opportunities to repurpose our existing infrastructure and build new supply chains.

“Lytton has a large and highly skilled workforce, and existing manufacturing infrastructure and capabilities that can be leveraged to deliver these future fuels.

“Lytton is also located next to a key demand centre, and to the Brisbane River, presenting an opportunity to become an energy hub that can serve major parts of the Queensland economy.”

Quotes attributable to ENEOS Representative Director President Saito Takeshi

“Integrated supply chains – from feedstocks to manufacturing and distribution infrastructure – will be critical to the development of a successful and sustainable biofuels industry.

“Queensland is uniquely positioned given the availability of high-quality feedstocks from established industries. In addition, the location of Ampol’s manufacturing and distribution assets provides a great platform from which to explore SAF production.

“We are honoured to work with an excellent company like Ampol to jointly consider the best way for SAF production by together bringing the best out of Australia’s SAF production potential.”

ENDS

Media contact: Emilia Hutchinson 0437 060 435