Groundbreaking Study for Aviation Decarbonisation Released
The Hon. Emily Suvaal, Parliamentary Secretary for Trade and Small Business and member of the Joint Standing Committee on Net Zero Future today launched the highly anticipated NSW Synthetic Aviation Fuel (e-SAF) Value Chain Study at the ‘Industry Meets Academia: A Forum on Aviation Decarbonisation’ event, hosted at the University of NSW (UNSW) by Boeing, Virgin Airlines and the Powerfuels including Hydrogen Network (PFHN), a Network within the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub.
The study, delivered by UNSW with the support of PFHN and the NSW Office of the Chief Scientist & Engineer (OCSE), is the first comprehensive assessment of opportunities and pathways to develop a robust e-SAF industry in New South Wales, and marks a significant milestone in the state’s push towards establishing a sustainable aviation fuel industry.
Ms Suvaal highlighted the role of innovation and industry collaboration in building new sectors, saying: “Innovation is at the heart of building a sustainable future, and this study reaffirms that NSW is leading in clean technology and industrial transformation. By bringing together industry, research and government, we are setting the stage for a new era of sustainable aviation fuel production in NSW.
“Clean fuels are essential to our transition to a low-emission economy, and this study highlights the tremendous potential of sustainable aviation fuel in reducing carbon emissions. By investing in e-SAF, NSW is taking a leadership role in creating a greener future for the aviation sector,” Ms. Suvaal said.
NSW Chief Scientist & Engineer and Net Zero Commissioner Prof. Hugh Durrant-Whyte commended the study’s alignment with the state’s broader decarbonisation innovation strategy.
“This e-SAF Value Chain Study builds on our work in the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Study, providing a clear roadmap for the aviation sector to embrace sustainable fuels. It demonstrates the importance of evidence-based analysis and cross-sector collaboration in achieving our climate goals,” said Prof. Durrant-Whyte.
Prof. Rose Amal, Network Lead of the NSW Powerfuels including Hydrogen Network, highlighted the importance of industry leadership and collaboration.
“Our network brings together leading organisations committed to sustainable fuel innovation. This study is just the beginning, and we look forward to working with partners across the value chain to make e-SAF a reality for NSW. We are committed to building a strong and resilient e-SAF industry that delivers environmental and economic benefits for the state,” Prof. Amal said.
The e-SAF Value Chain Study outlines the potential pathways for developing a domestic e-SAF industry, including production technologies, feedstock availability, infrastructure needs, and market opportunities. It provides a strategic framework for industry stakeholders to collaborate and accelerate the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel in NSW.
The NSW Government remains committed to supporting the development of clean fuels as part of its broader net zero commitment through initiatives such as the NSW Decarbonisation Innovation Hub, ensuring NSW continues to lead in clean energy innovation and sustainable industry development.
Report
Opportunity for Developing an e-SAF Value Chain in NSW