Sustainable aviation fuel trial underway at RAAF Base East Sale
A sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) pilot program at RAAF Base East Sale, involving Viva Energy Australia and UGL and running for 12 months, has begun.
According to a statement from defence on Sunday, the pilot began recently and aligns with the goals of increased energy security and transitioning to lower-carbon energy “without detriment to military capability”.
It also mentions a contribution to “stimulating industry investment in domestic SAF production” in Australia as well as contributing to “a cleaner, safer environment”.
SAF is produced from renewable sources – like agricultural waste, animal fats, vegetable oils and municipal solid waste – and reduces carbon emissions over the fuel’s lifecycle.
“All ADF aircraft are certified to operate on SAF” said defence in the statement.
Commander Joint Logistics, Major General Carla Watts, added, “Domestic SAF production will bolster resilience in Australia’s liquid fuels sector and play a crucial role in the feasibility of incorporating SAF into the Defence supply chains.”
According to research by CSIRO and Boeing, released in 2023, Australia has resources that could enable production of almost 5 billion litres of SAF “by 2025, or nearly 60 per cent of jet fuel demand projected for that year.”
Picture: credit Boeing
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