Brisbane, Australia: In a landmark move to support the development of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) in Australia, Boeing has announced a significant investment in Wagner Sustainable Fuels, a Queensland-based company focused on reducing carbon emissions from hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation. This investment follows an initial partnership formed in April and underscores Boeing’s commitment to expanding the availability of SAF, which is crucial to achieving the aviation industry’s ambitious goal of net zero CO₂ emissions by 2050.
Boeing’s investment will fund an engineering study for the construction of a new SAF refinery in Brisbane. The refinery will utilize innovative waste-to-SAF technology, which converts ethanol derived from waste-based feedstocks into sustainable aviation fuel. This process not only reduces CO₂ emissions by up to 84% compared to traditional jet fuel but also supports Australia’s broader climate goals.
The importance of this development extends beyond environmental impact. The SAF refinery is expected to create local jobs, enhance Australia’s fuel security—currently, the country imports 90% of its liquid fuel—and contribute to the nation’s renewable energy ambitions. By 2050, demand for jet fuel in Australia is projected to increase by 75%, making local production critical.
Matt Doyle, CEO of Wagner Sustainable Fuels, emphasized the strategic significance of this investment, stating that it would make Australia a leader in the SAF industry and play a crucial role in decarbonizing aviation. The project is also backed by the Queensland Government, which sees the SAF industry as a key component of its economic and environmental strategy.
“Our partnership with Boeing to advance the Wagner SAF refinery in Brisbane is a commitment to proactively grow the SAF industry in Australia,” said Matt Doyle, CEO of Wagner Sustainable Fuels.
Boeing’s Chief Sustainability Officer, Brian Moran, highlighted that this investment is part of Boeing’s global strategy to increase access to SAF. He noted that the partnership with Wagner and other stakeholders in Australia will contribute to reducing the aviation sector’s carbon footprint on a global scale.
LanzaJet, a key partner in this initiative, brings its expertise in SAF production through patented alcohol-to-jet technology. This collaboration is set to make Australia a prominent producer of SAF, utilizing local waste streams and supporting the country’s energy security.
The investment aligns with findings from the 2023 CSIRO and Boeing Sustainable Fuels Roadmap, which identified Australia’s potential to meet its own commercial demand for SAF while contributing to regional job growth and fuel security.
Analysis: Boeing’s investment in Wagner Sustainable Fuels represents a critical step towards building a robust SAF supply chain in Australia. With increasing global pressure to reduce carbon emissions, this project is poised to make Australia a key player in the SAF industry, aligning with both national and international climate goals. The project’s success will hinge on continued collaboration among industry stakeholders and government support, ensuring that Australia can meet its future fuel demands sustainably.
Source: Boeing Australia Communications, Wagner Sustainable Fuels, and LanzaJet Partnership Announcement
