Boeing has made a landmark investment in Australia’s sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) landscape, backing Wagner Sustainable Fuels’ new production facility in Brisbane. This partnership not only seeks to expand Australia’s SAF capacity but also aligns with the global aviation industry’s ambitious climate goals, aiming to decarbonise air travel on a significant scale.
Pioneering Sustainable Aviation with SAF
SAF, which is made from renewable resources like industrial waste, has the potential to reduce CO₂ emissions by up to 84% compared to conventional jet fuels. Yet, despite its benefits, SAF remains a small fraction of global fuel use, accounting for only 0.1% of total jet fuel consumption. Boeing’s investment is a critical step towards increasing local SAF production in Australia, reinforcing its commitment to the aviation industry’s net-zero emissions goal by 2050.
Fuel Security and Economic Benefits
Kimberly Camrass, Boeing’s sustainability lead for Australia and New Zealand, underscored the multi-faceted advantages of the Brisbane SAF facility. “Facilities such as Wagner’s strengthen Australia’s fuel security, especially as the country imports around 90% of its liquid fuel, including jet fuel. With demand expected to rise by 75% by 2050, local production will play a crucial role,” she noted.
Wagner’s Vision for Australia’s First Integrated SAF Facility
Wagner Sustainable Fuels’ CEO, Matt Doyle, welcomed Boeing’s investment and the Queensland Government’s support, describing it as foundational for Australia’s first fully integrated SAF production site. Doyle emphasised the project’s broad benefits, including the creation of local jobs, enhanced fuel independence, and significant carbon emissions reduction across aviation.
Building on a Strategic Partnership
The new Brisbane facility is part of a broader collaboration established in April 2024 through a memorandum of understanding between Boeing and Wagner. This refinery will use cutting-edge waste-to-SAF technology, converting ethanol from waste-based feedstocks into sustainable aviation fuel, making it an essential component of Australia’s sustainable energy infrastructure.
Queensland Government’s Role and Support
The Queensland Government is backing this initiative with funding for a feasibility study, underscoring its alignment with Australia’s climate targets. This support is critical in positioning Australia as a key player in the SAF sector within the Asia-Pacific region and advancing its renewable energy capabilities in line with global environmental goals.
Boeing’s Broader Commitment to Sustainability
Boeing’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its vision to make its commercial aircraft capable of flying on 100% SAF by 2030. The company has also collaborated with Australia’s CSIRO to develop a SAF roadmap that aims to make Australia a leader in SAF production within the Asia-Pacific.
A Partnership for Progress
Boeing’s investment in Wagner Sustainable Fuels’ Brisbane facility marks a forward-thinking approach to meeting aviation’s sustainability challenges. By boosting local SAF production, this partnership aims to secure fuel supplies, generate local employment, and contribute substantially to lowering aviation’s environmental impact.
