Energy Estate says it has formalised a strategic affiliation with Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) to advance the BioNQ Project in North Queensland, an initiative aimed at converting sugarcane into low-carbon fuels while supporting Australia’s fuel security and regional economies.
In a media release, Energy Estate said the collaboration with Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables positions sugarcane as a potential domestic energy source, particularly as global supply chain pressures continue to affect fuel availability.
The company said recent geopolitical tensions, including conflict in the Middle East, have underscored vulnerabilities in Australia’s reliance on imported fuels.
According to Energy Estate, the BioNQ Project will utilise existing regional and port infrastructure to convert agricultural feedstock into fuel for sectors such as aviation, agriculture and shipping.
The company said the project is also expected to support regional employment, strengthen supply chains and contribute to long-term economic resilience in North Queensland.
Simon Currie, Chief Projects Officer at Energy Estate, said the affiliation reflects a shared objective to deliver nationally significant outcomes through regional collaboration.
“By working together, we can unlock additional feedstocks, invest in enabling infrastructure, and ensure Queensland’s agricultural industries play a leading role in Australia’s energy future – in real terms enhancing energy security for Australia and helping drive regional economic development,” he said.
Energy Estate said the initiative builds on its presence in regional Queensland since 2019, describing the BioNQ Project as part of its broader strategy focused on enabling infrastructure, collaboration and scalable bioenergy solutions.
QCAR Chairman Russell Hall said the collaboration would help advance opportunities for sugarcane to contribute to fuel security, regional development and emissions reduction.
“This gives North Queensland sugarcane farmers the chance to be active participants in Australia’s energy security. For decades our feedstocks have been exported for processing offshore; we are now creating that value here to strengthen our regional communities,” he said.
Energy Estate and QCAR said the collaboration aligns with the Queensland Government’s Primary Industries Prosper 2050 strategy, which supports long-term investment to extract greater value from agricultural resources, including bioenergy and advanced processing.
They added the project is also consistent with federal priorities focused on fuel security, the clean energy transition and the development of sovereign energy capability.
Energy Estate said the BioNQ Project highlights the need to unlock additional feedstock and invest in regional infrastructure, positioning North Queensland to contribute to Australia’s future fuel supply while reducing reliance on imports.
