New research commissioned by Sydney Airport suggests Australians broadly support building a domestic sustainable aviation fuel industry that would expand local manufacturing capability while creating regional jobs and supporting farmers.
According to the airport operator, the findings indicate that Australians recognise the opportunity to produce Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) locally using resources already available across the country, including agricultural crops and residues, used cooking oil and household waste.
Much of this material is currently exported overseas for processing into fuel, the research notes.
Sydney Airport chief executive Scott Charlton said developing a domestic SAF sector could deliver environmental and economic benefits while strengthening Australia’s fuel supply chain.
“Locally producing SAF would reduce aviation emissions while creating jobs, supporting farmers, and strengthening Australia’s fuel security,” Charlton said. “We continue to advocate for demand measures as part of the Australian Government’s $1.1 billion investment in low-carbon liquid fuels.”
Charlton said global developments were also shaping the policy environment, with a number of jurisdictions introducing mandates to encourage SAF production and use.
“The current conflict in the Middle East highlights the importance of mandates that attract global investment and secure a domestic fuel supply,” he said.
“Globally, SAF mandates are accelerating, and Australia must implement measures to boost domestic SAF production, using feedstock that would otherwise be exported.”
Research conducted by Sydney Airport in early March found that public awareness of SAF remains relatively low, particularly among Australians who had not flown in the past year. However, support increased once respondents were given an explanation of the fuel and how it works.
The study reported that nearly 70 per cent of Australians support the use of sustainable aviation fuel, while support rises to around 60 per cent after people understand its role in aviation.
A majority of respondents also indicated they would be willing to contribute small additional costs through airline tickets to support development of the industry.
Respondents cited several factors influencing their support, including reducing aircraft emissions (57 per cent), using renewable Australian resources (49 per cent), environmental benefits (48 per cent), improved fuel security (45 per cent), supporting Australian manufacturing (43 per cent), and job creation and economic growth (42 per cent).
Support was higher among frequent flyers and business travellers, the research found, while 48 per cent of Australians said they were concerned about the environmental impact of aircraft fuel emissions.
The research also indicated respondents wanted clearer information about how sustainable aviation fuel is produced and regulated, with confidence increasing when detailed explanations of production processes, safety standards and emissions reductions were provided.
“Australians want to see this industry built here because they recognise the benefits for farmers, regional communities and Australia’s long-term fuel security,” Charlton said.
“With global aviation demand continuing to grow, the window to establish a domestic Sustainable Aviation Fuel industry is now. Building fuel infrastructure takes time – often close to a decade from investment decision to production – so the opportunity is to start building that capability now and supporting regional economies.”
Sydney Airport said it is participating in the Bioenergy Australia Renewable Fuels Summit this week in Sydney, where government, industry and investors are examining the role of renewable and low-carbon liquid fuels in supporting emissions reduction, fuel security and domestic manufacturing.
