Boeing’s Brisbane facility will use the waste-to-SAF technology that converts ethanol from waste-based feedstocks such as industrial waste into SAF.
Boeing is set to build Australia’s first fully integrated sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) production facility in Brisbane. with the early investment in Wagner sustainable fuel, Boeing is aiming to support the development of local SAF supply and expand global access to SAF, which remains the most effective lever to decarbonize aviation by 2050.
An investment of $760,000 from the Queensland Government has been granted to this project and aims to begin construction in 2026. This Brisbane facility will use waste-to-SAF technology that converts ethanol from waste-based feedstocks such as industrial waste into SAF. the facility is expected to generate 102 million liters of SAF per year.
Kimberly Camrass, sustainability lead for Australia and New Zealand, Boeing, said, “We’re proud to invest in this project because it will make a real difference in developing a SAF industry in Australia. Accelerating local SAF supply enables Australia’s own climate goals and supports the global commercial aviation industry’s commitment of net zero CO₂ emissions by 2050. SAF facilities such as Wagner’s new Brisbane site also strengthen Australia’s fuel security, since the country currently imports 90% of its liquid fuel including jet fuel, and the demand is expected to increase by 75% towards 2050,”
This initiative builds upon an earlier partnership between Boeing and Wagner announced in April and will focus on establishing a state-of-the-art refinery designed to transform waste into sustainable jet fuel.
Matt Doyle, Chief Executive Officer, Wagner Sustainable Fuels said, “Our partnership with Boeing to advance the Wagner SAF refinery in Brisbane is a commitment to proactively grow the SAF industry in Australia, The investment from the Queensland Government and Boeing will underpin Australia’s first, fully integrated SAF production facility. It will create local jobs, contribute to fuel security and reduce greenhouse-gas emissions from aviation.”
SAF is crucial in the aviation sector’s strategy to achieve significant carbon reductions by 2050. SAF can cut CO2 emissions by up to 84% compared to conventional jet fuel, yet it currently accounts for only 0.1% of global jet fuel consumption.
Jimmy Samartzis, CEO, LanzaJet, said, “This project allows Australia to continue to stand out as a leader in SAF, now leveraging the solution we co-created with LanzaTech to convert waste carbon into sustainable fuels, The combination of our platform with the front-end of LanzaTech’s carbon recycling technology makes it possible to create SAF supply in Australia using local waste streams, further supporting the country’s energy security and protecting its natural environment.”
According to Queensland Minister for State Development and Infrastructure Grace Grace, growing the state’s SAF industry will create jobs as well as help reduce carbon emissions.
Andrew Parker, Chief Sustainability Officer, Qantas, said, “Domestic SAF production will be critical to decarbonising the aviation industry and Australia meeting its emissions reduction targets, We have a target of using 10% SAF by 2030 and have invested in Queensland biofuel production through our $400 million Climate Fund.”
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Australia is well-positioned to lead the development of a robust domestic SAF industry. However, to realize its full potential, the country must address challenges related to feedstock availability, supply chain logistics, and alignment with international standards and regulations.
