Consultations begin on the “an exciting new commercial opportunity” of bioenergy feedstocks

Consultation has begun on the federal government’s National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy, following the announcement last month of $1.1 billion in funding for low-carbon liquid fuels.

According to a statement from agriculture minister Julie Collins on Thursday, bioenergy will be “an important part” of decarbonising the economy, and that it requires a consistent supply of feedstocks, “providing Australian farmers and foresters with new opportunities to supply the necessary biomass”.

The strategy seeks to establish “a coordinated, national direction” for furthering bioenergy feedstock production, while supporting the economic opportunities that could come with it.

“Supplying bioenergy feedstocks is an exciting new commercial opportunity for farmers, foresters and our regional communities, which is why we want to support industry to develop and seize on these opportunities,” said Collins.

(A discussion paper and the opportunity to provide feedback can be found here.)

According to research published by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency, bioenergy has the potential to add more than $10 billion in economic activity annually, as well as create thousands of regional jobs and strengthen energy security.

Shahana McKenzie, CEO of industry lobby group Bioenergy Australia, said that the opening Feedstock Strategy was an important moment.

“By unlocking the nation's abundant feedstock resources, this strategy will create a clear pathway for homegrown low carbon fuels to deliver thousands of regional jobs, strengthen energy security, and generate over $10 billion annually,” said McKenzie.

“With COP31 on the horizon, Australia is ready to lead in low-carbon innovation, turning ambition into practical, scalable solutions for agriculture, transport, industry, and energy.”

Picture: credit José Reynaldo da Fonseca (CC BY 2.5)