Sustainable Aviation Fuels

Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a biofuel used to power aircraft that is designed to be more environmentally friendly than conventional jet fuel.

It is produced from sustainable resources and is developed to have a lower carbon footprint throughout its lifecycle, from production to combustion.

Presently, SAF can be blended with conventional jet fuel and used in existing aircraft engines without modification, offering a potential reduction in greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and helping the aviation industry move towards its sustainability goals.

In 2024, the Department of Trade, Business and Asian Relations engaged Ernst and Young to undertake a feasibility study into the development of a SAF industry in the Northern Territory.

The study identified the potential for the Northern Territory to become a leader in sustainable aviation fuel development.

It assessed the Territory’s potential role in the SAF value chain, considering market outlook, competitive production costs, and possible government interventions. The study highlighted that SAF technologies related to biofuels and hydrogen currently represent the most feasible pathways for the Territory.

Coupled with the Territory’s strategic proximity to Southeast Asia’s growing markets and the Singaporean fuel trading hub, development of a SAF industry offers competitive advantages for the broader region.

Read the Summary Report PDF (1.2 MB).

Contact

For more information, email facilitated.projects@nt.gov.au