The NSW Government has announced what it is describing as a landmark renewable fuel strategy which it believes will accelerate the production and use of renewable fuels in NSW, to hopefully drive down emissions and underpin industrial activity in NSW.
The government says that renewable fuels will help NSW meet its emissions reduction targets, de-carbonise hard-to-abate sectors, drive economic development and jobs in regional NSW, and improve domestic fuel supply.
The Minns government says renewable fuels are low carbon alternatives to fossil fuels, such as bio-methane, sustainable aviation fuel, green hydrogen, biodiesel and renewable diesel.
It claims that a strong renewable fuels sector will accelerate NSW’s transition away from fossil fuels because these alternatives offer low carbon solutions for hard-to-electrify sectors like mining, manufacturing, aviation and heavy transport.
NSW Minister for Climate Change and Energy, Penny Sharpe said that this is a win-win-win opportunity and a win for jobs, as well as bine a win for fuel security and a win for the planet.
“The Minns Labor Government is boosting local production of renewable fuels to diversify the economy and deliver new jobs, growth and enhanced energy security for our state,” said Minister Sharpe
“This Strategy shows our commitment to building a robust and resilient renewable fuels industry right here in NSW,” she added.
The government’s strategy outlines 20 actions to scale up the state’s renewable fuel industry, including expanding the Renewable Fuel Scheme to include biomethane.
It will also see ip to $170 million in funding for renewable fuel and biomethane production in NSW.
The government says that funding research and innovation to improve industry capability, including crop research and development trials to test and demonstrate biomass production opportunities in partnership with primary producers will also be a part of its strategy.
As well it will also support the expansion of GreenPower certification to additional renewable fuels and co-products.
The government’s strategy was developed in collaboration with both government and industry stakeholders and was informed by feedback gathered from the 2024 discussion paper.
It invites collaboration across industry, researchers, investors, and communities to make renewable fuels a core part of NSW’s clean energy future.
The governement says that its Renewable Fuel Strategy is available for download at www.energy.nsw.gov.au/nsw-renewable-fuel-strategy
