Queensland government links up with US Navy on biofuel initiative

The Australia-based Queensland government has made a deal with the US Navy to supply it with biofuels for its Asia-Pacific fleet.

Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk and United States Deputy Under Secretary of the Navy for Management Thomas Hicks signed a Statement of Cooperation as part of the Great Green Fleet initiative.

The Great Green Fleet is the popular nickname of the carrier strike group serving as the US Navy's proving ground for the strategic and tactical viability of biofuels. The name is an homage to the Great White Fleet of the early 20th century.

The Great Green Fleet is a US Navy commitment to source 50% of fuel from renewable sources by 2020.

‘Biofuel of the Asia Pacific’

“This is a huge vote of confidence in our developing biofuels industry and puts Queensland in the box seat to supply the Pacific fleet,” Palaszczuk said.

She added: “The partnership we have signed with the US Navy underlines the huge potential to build a new industry that will make Queensland the biofuel hub of the Asia Pacific.

“I have long been talking about the need to diversify our economy, create new industries, and lock in the next wave of long-term, export-orientated job opportunities.

“The signing of this partnership between Queensland and the US Department of the Navy is a giant stride towards reaching those goals.”

Palaszczuk first discussed Queensland’s role in the Great Green Fleet initiative at a meeting with Hicks at the Pentagon in June last year.

“Since then, there have been significant advances in the development of an industry that I believe will be a huge player in our economic future,” Palaszczuk said.

The government has dedicated almost $20 million (€18m) in four funds to stimulate key areas of the state’s industrial biotechnology and bioproducts sector and launched a ten-year Roadmap to develop the industry.

“We have also been able to lure Southern Oil Refining from NSW and the $16 million pilot plant they are building at Yarwun has a key role to play in this emerging giant of an industry,” Palaszczuk said.

The agreement, signed at a Parliament House ceremony, outlines the parties’ commitment to explore the research, development, supply and sale of advanced “drop-in” alternative fuels.