Biofuels to Bioproducts: A Growth Industry for Australia
(Bioenergy Australia) The massive economic, social and environmental benefits that can be delivered to Australians through the creation of a strong bioenergy industry could be lost without clear government strategies.
Increased use of 10 per cent ethanol-blended petrol (E10) in Australia could create more than 8600 direct & indirect jobs, attract $1.56 billion in investment and generate more than $1.1 billion in additional revenue each year in regional areas
While the rest of the world embraces the positives biofuels bring, Australia has experienced limited growth.
Bioenegy now account for over 10.4% of global energy production. In just four years time it is expected the world market for bio-products will exceed $1.1 trillion.
Around the world, government policies have helped drive their country’s growth through the support and securing of feedstock supply, infrastructure logistics, promoting access to technology, early-stage investment, and improving demand.
Developing strategies to deliver stable political environments and guidance for investors and bioeconomy stakeholders have also created success.
While Australia has as many advantages and more potential than other countries, policy and program vacuums have seen the Australian bioenergy industry languish behind.
That’s why Bioenergy Australia have joined Queensland University of Technology (QUT) researchers to call for the implementation of a Five-Point Plan that expands the use of biofuels in Australia.
Researchers used international experience and evidence to create the Plan:
1. Develop a national biofuels, bio-based products and bioeconomy strategy
2. Implement a national biofuels mandate supporting the introduction of higher quality fuels
3. Provide supporting mechanisms of education, incentives and infrastructure
4. Establish policy frameworks for advanced/drop-in biofuels, biochemical and bio-based products
5. Support commercial developments through industry and research collaboration.
The plan is part of the Report ‘Biofuels to bioproducts: a growth industry for Australia’ launched at Parliament House today.
Bioenergy Australia agrees with the Report that finds a strong bioenergy policy framework and industry will deliver thousands of new jobs and add billions to the national economy, with major growth in rural and regional Australia.
Biofuels can deliver baseload power and provide confidence in the renewable energy sector. A well-planned and supported bioenergy industry can also:
– Grow Australia’s agriculture and science sectors
– Create jobs and investment in regional and rural communities
– Expand income streams for farmers
– Improve fuel quality and vehicle performance
– Reduce emissions and improve health
– Improve Australia’s balance of trade and create greater energy independence
It is time for all political parties and business to support biofuels and take advantage of the many benefits on offer.
The full report can be found here ‘Biofuels to bioproducts: a growth industry for Australia’ READ MORE
Bioenergy Australia pushes for national biofuel policy (Biofuels International)
Biofuels $11.4b boon for Australian farmers but mandate needed (The Land)
Biofuel targets could add $1 billion, thousands of jobs for regions if national mandate introduced (ABC News)
