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New research conducted by the International Air Transport Association has found that there is enough feedstock available to allow the airline industry to hit net zero within the next 25 years. It comes as the Australian government continues to invest in spurring a domestic SAF industry.
Following testing in Japan and a US deal earlier this year, Stralis has collaborated with Air New Zealand, the University of Auckland, and Hiringa Energy to test the technology closer to home.
Announced on Wednesday, the new ten-year Cleaner Fuels Program aims to stimulate investment from the private sector into on-shore production of fuels like SAF, with the first production of “drop-in” cleaner fuels that can serve as direct substitutes in current engines estimated by 2029.
Stephen Forshaw, the planemaker’s chief representative for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, said the government should impose a SAF blending mandate of around 1 to 2 per cent in order to stimulate biofuel production, give Australia more sovereign fuel reserves, and cut emissions.
California’s Aviate Enterprises will work with Stralis on America’s first hydrogen-electric Beechcraft Bonanza aircraft, replacing the existing piston engine with a hydrogen power train including fuel cells, liquid hydrogen tanks, and electric motors.
The Brisbane-based firm believes its hydrogen-electric system will enable aircraft to fly further than rival battery-electric technology while being far cheaper than traditional fuel.
