Biofuels Forum Set To Drive Queensland Australia’s Bio-Economy

BRISBANE - December 7, 2016: The Queensland Renewable Fuels Association (QRFA) will meet with key international representatives over the next three days to address the big question: When will Queensland be producing advanced, commercialised, biofuels for jet and marine specifications?

The QRFA will join Australian and international biofutures industry leaders at the Biofutures Industry Forum held by the Queensland Government and US Navy from this evening through to Friday afternoon at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre.

QRFA Managing Director, Larissa Rose, said the event was a continuation of the State Government’s commitment to growing the local biofuels industry into a strong bio-economy, and the forum workshops would deliver strategies to support advances in bio-refinement and bio-chemical production in Queensland.

“Momentum is building for our industry and it is great to see the State Government is workshopping all opportunities, barriers and strategies with local and international industry leaders. This process will ensure best practice is implemented from the start and help direct the industry’s pathway,” Ms Rose said.

“Future market opportunities for Queensland are significant as demand for jet fuel alternatives from our leading domestic airlines grows.

“From an international perspective, momentum has been building for years with airline companies reducing their carbon dioxide footprint, and working to secure sustainable fuel alternatives to support their new ‘greener energy fuel mix’ commitments.”

“Domestically we’ve seen Virgin Australia and Qantas pursue strong visions to capture a domestic and sustainable supply of fuel alternatives for their aircraft,” Ms Rose said.

“Both these companies understand the significance of environmental impacts and energy security issues that come with fossil-based fuels. Their commitment to research and development to drive the commercialisation of renewable jet fuels in Australia has been demonstrated through funding and industry engagement.”

The US Navy Biofutures Industry Forum will bring together Australian and International Biofutures industry leaders this evening and for the next two days through workshops that will cover the entire supply chain, uncovering the partnerships and pathways that will deliver new biofuel and biofuture projects in Queensland.

Invited attendees include feedstock producers, harvesters and aggregators, transport and logistics, technology processors, off-takers, financiers, designers and engineers, academia, military and government.