- Australia will launch its first fully integrated sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) refinery in Queensland by 2028, producing 100 million litres annually, with construction starting in 2026.
- The project, backed by the Queensland government and Boeing, will utilise LanzaTech and LanzaJet technology to convert agricultural and industrial waste into SAF and renewable diesel, reducing aviation carbon emissions by up to 80%.
- Australia’s sustainable aviation fuel industry could create over 7,400 jobs and contribute $2.8 billion to the economy by 2030, positioning the country as a leader in green fuel production.
Australia will launch its first fully integrated sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) refinery in Queensland by 2028. The facility, developed through a partnership between the Queensland government, Boeing, and the owners of Toowoomba’s Wellcamp Airport, will produce 100 million litres of SAF annually. Construction starts in 2026.
The project follows a state-funded feasibility study, with the Queensland government contributing a $760,000 grant. Boeing is also investing, though the amount remains undisclosed. The refinery uses LanzaTech and LanzaJet’s technology to convert agricultural and industrial waste into SAF and renewable diesel.
Wagner Sustainable Fuels CEO Matt Doyle emphasises the project’s importance, noting that aviation consumes billions of litres of fossil jet fuel annually, contributing 2.1% of global carbon emissions. “Australia has the opportunity to lead in renewable liquid fuels and reduce carbon emissions,” Doyle says.
The refinery will produce 102 million litres of SAF and 12 million litres of renewable diesel yearly. Compared to traditional jet fuel, SAF can reduce carbon emissions from air travel by up to 80%. This reduction is crucial for the aviation industry’s goal of net zero emissions by 2050.
Boeing Australia’s sustainability lead, Dr Kimberley Camrass, highlights the project’s role in cutting emissions. “This project will be key to developing an Australian SAF industry and supporting global aviation’s sustainability goals,” she says.
This initiative contributes to broader efforts to develop SAF in Australia. Ampol, GrainCorp, and IFM Investors are exploring a similar project in Brisbane. BP also plans a renewable fuels facility at its Kwinana Energy Hub in Western Australia.
Frontier Economics estimates that Australia’s sustainable aviation fuel industry will create over 7,400 jobs and contribute $2.8 billion to the national economy by 2030. Demand for SAF will rise as the aviation industry pushes for carbon reduction, and Australia’s efforts could position it as a leader in the green fuel sector.
The project marks a critical step in establishing a local green fuel industry. Australia’s investment in SAF will significantly reduce global aviation emissions as the world moves towards greener alternatives. Construction begins in 2026, and the refinery aims to meet the growing demand for sustainable fuels by 2028.
This development represents a major milestone for Australia’s aviation sector and a significant move toward achieving the nation’s climate goals. By reducing reliance on fossil fuels, the SAF refinery will help Australia transition to a more sustainable future while supporting global efforts to combat climate change.
The refinery’s success could attract further investments in green energy, positioning Australia as a critical player in the global shift toward sustainability. As the world seeks solutions to reduce carbon emissions, projects like this will drive the transition to a greener future.