Australia Reports on the Feasibility of Jet Fuels from Mallee Trees

The Future Farm Industries Cooperative Centre claimed that aircraft powered by biofuel from Australian mallee trees is possible and could give a boost to potential new industries.

This was according to the mallee jet fuel sustainability and life-cycle assessment report, funded by Airbus and supported by several industry partners Virgin Australia, Renewable Oil Corporation, Dynamotive and IFPEN. 

The report, launched during the CRC Association conference in Perth, provided evidence to support the continued research on mallee production. The life-cycle carbon emissions analysis estimated jet flights leaving Perth Airport powered by 100 per cent mallee jet fuel could emit 40 percent less greenhouse gases compared to those using petroleum-based jet fuel.

""As the sole airline partner of this ground-breaking study, the results show mallee jet fuel is a more sustainable option than our current fossil-based fuel supply while also providing valuable insights into potential new supply chain developers. We look forward to supporting the mallee jet fuel project as it continues to evolve and getting one step closer to seeing a commercial supply of biofuel developed in Western Australia" said Virgin Australia Regional Airlines Group Executive Merren McArthur..

Moreover, mallee trees only cover a small part of the landscape and would not displace food crops.