Representatives from major international companies were in Western Australia this week to inspect biomass developments as the state continues plans to create a viable renewable energy sector.
Future Farm Industries Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) hosted Airbus, GE and Virgin Australia at two farms near Narrogin, south-east of Perth.
The visit provided aviation representatives, farmers, researchers and regional development organisations an opportunity to catch up on the latest developments in CRC’s research on mallee cropping, biomass production, and the potential of a commercial aviation biofuel industry.
A report by Australia’s peak scientific organisation released in 2011 estimated that the Australia’s aviation industry could cut back on 17 per cent of its gas emissions is it switched to biofuels.
The report also stated that 12,000 jobs could be generated and $2 billion saved on fuel imports over the next 20 years if biofuels are adopted.
Peter Zurzolo, Chief Executive Officer of Future Farm CRC, said visitors enjoyed tours of the mallee strands where staff from the Department of Environment and Conservation and CSIRO, both CRC partners, explained the mallee supply chain including growing, harvesting, and through to processing.
“The aviation industry represents a huge driver for mallee biofuel development. To see global aviation leaders in a paddock in the WA Wheatbelt indicates how seriously they consider the work of our CRC and partners in helping to develop an environmentally sustainable source of biofuels.
“Mallees have a big role to play in that, and it’s great to have the aviation industry as one of the many groups showing an interest in this important work,” he said.
Mr Zurzolo said the industry will take a number of years to fully develop, but highlighted the more immediate environmental benefits of having mallees on farms.
“The CRC’s research has shown that mallees can contribute to the management of salinity and waterlogging, act as wind breaks to help prevent soil erosion, and encourage native wildlife by providing food and shelter. Importantly, biomass industries can provide farmers with a diversified income stream.
“We understand farmers’ impatience for tangible success with mallee industry development. However, we are confident that momentum is building to make mallee harvest and processing a reality.”
