Synthetic fuel maker poised to land at Whyalla
London-based Zero Petroleum is looking to set up a commercial-scale synthetic fuel production plant in the Upper Spencer Gulf.
The state government today announced that Zero Petroleum is exploring the development of a low-carbon sustainable aviation fuel production facility in Whyalla, near the proposed $600 million hydrogen hub.
Zero Petroleum is a London-based company that is developing carbon-neutral synthetic fuel that it says can work in any engine. The company has already partnered with the likes of Airbus, Boeing, Rolls-Royce and the Royal Air Force.
Its proprietary fuel synthesis process combines carbon dioxide from the air and hydrogen from water.
It is currently undertaking a feasibility study in South Australia, which includes collaboration with an aviation industry consortium led by Adelaide Airport and Qantas Airways.
The state government today penned a letter of intent to support a feasibility study in a facilitating role.
The six-month study will evaluate the technical, economic and environmental viability of a Zero Petroleum facility capable of making up to 10 million litres of synthetic aviation fuel annually.
The project has the potential to create up to 150 full-time jobs during the construction phase, the government said, with 25 to 30 ongoing operational positions.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Tom Koutsantonis said South Australia was “an ideal location for advancing e-fuel innovation”.
“The Malinauskas Government’s State Prosperity Project is already starting to see results with companies such as Zero Petroleum recognising the opportunity to leverage our world-leading investments in renewable hydrogen,” Koutsantonis said.
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“Hydrogen is a game-changer for industries striving to decarbonise, and aviation is no exception.
“By fostering innovative projects such as this and collaborating with major partners such as Zero Petroleum, Qantas and Adelaide Airport, we can drive the transition to sustainable fuels while cementing South Australia’s position at the forefront of renewable energy and industrial transformation.”
Zero Petroleum founder and CEO Paddy Lowe said he was excited to make ‘Plant Zero.SA’ a reality.
“Sustainable aviation fuels are among the greatest tools we have for achieving the aviation industry’s ambitious climate goals, and since Zero’s process uses just air and water to produce synthetic liquid fuels, we believe South Australia’s advanced hydrogen industry and savvy government support provides a unique opportunity to scale up for mass adoption,” Lowe said.
“We are excited to make Plant Zero.SA a reality, in collaboration with the SA Government, Adelaide Airport Limited and Qantas, to create new jobs and strengthen the region’s position as one of the world leaders in sustainable energy.”
