Mallee biofuels may fuel Perth engines

By 2030, young mallee trees could create an aviation grade bio kerosene.

Airline operations from Perth could see its flights fuelled up to 100% with the aviation grade bio kerosene, according to a report by the Future Farm Industries Cooperative Centre (CRC).

The mallee jet fuel sustainability and life-cycle assessment study provides evidence to support continued R&D on mallee production - where trees are based in Western Australia's Great Southern district - and bio-oil upgrading, along with informing the business case for commercial production starting in Western Australia.

The mallee jet fuel value chain report says: 'The current cost for fuel derived from mallee biomass is too high for jet fuel derived from this source to be competitive with petrol-based fuel. However there is international evidence that these costs are converging. Mallee biomass could be cost competitive by 2021.'