The federal government has taken another step towards locally producing low-carbon liquid fuels for Australian trucks and vehicles, opening submissions for its first National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy.
The landmark plan is investigating how the nation can harness its vast untapped resources, from crop residues and tallow to used cooking oil and organic waste, to fuel the next generation of low-carbon energy.
Bioenergy – including renewable or low carbon liquid fuels (LCLF), low carbon gases and solid biofuels – is a critical factor in Australia’s net zero transition according to Bioenergy Australia CEO and the Low Carbon Fuels Alliance of Australia and New Zealand (LCFAANZ) founder Shahana McKenzie.
MORE OWNERDRIVER TRENDING STORIES:
- Inside magnificent Casino’s 2025 triumph
- Elphinstone founder reaches the Wall of Fame
- QMR welcomes statement DAF
- Transtar Linehaul the latest operator to enter administration
- TOTM: McNaughts adorns Scania with visionary visor
McKenzie says the National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy will establish a coordinated, national direction for the sustainable growth of bioenergy feedstock production, maximising opportunities for agriculture and forestry while remaining complementary to Australia’s ongoing food and fibre security.
The strategy lays the groundwork for a new era of homegrown low-carbon fuels, while providing a platform for stakeholders to explore key issues such as feedstock availability, infrastructure and technology needs, sustainability credentials, and international considerations.
Analysis from ARENA shows these industries could generate more than $10 billion annually, create thousands of regional jobs, strengthen energy security and accelerate Australia’s net-zero transition.
Bioenergy Australia, alongside the LCFAANZ, has welcomed the announcement and is committed to partnering with government and industry to scale Australia’s low-carbon fuels and renewable gas sectors.
It says the announcement demonstrates a clear commitment to expanding Australia’s domestic low-carbon fuels and renewable gas industries. It follows the government’s $1.1 billion investment to accelerate low-carbon liquid fuels and the first-ever National Feedstock Roundtable, held in August by Bioenergy Australia and facilitated by Deloitte, with participation from the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
“Australia’s low-carbon fuels sector is at a historic turning point. Momentum has never been stronger, and it will only accelerate in the coming months as both the National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy and National Renewable Gas Policies are designed, the $1.1 billion government investment is deployed, and industry unites to fuel the next generation of low-carbon fuels,” McKenzie says.
“Together, this transformative activity demonstrates a clear signal to global investors that Australia is open for business in low-carbon fuels, driving innovation, jobs, and practical solutions for our net-zero future.
“The opening of Australia’s first National Feedstock Strategy marks a game-changing moment. By unlocking the nation’s abundant feedstock resources, this strategy will create a clear pathway for homegrown low carbon fuels to deliver thousands of regional jobs, strengthen energy security, and generate over $10 billion annually.
Subscribe to the weekly Owner//Driver newsletter here.