MEDIA RELEASE: 22 February 2019

 
Bioenergy Australia calling on a Parliamentary inquiry, strategy and roadmap for a new industry to transition Australia’s economy away from fossil.

With the alarming announcement yesterday from China regarding Australia’s coal exportation,  significant moves from the banking and investment sector away from fossil fuels and the recent announcements from major mining groups such as Glencore and BHP responding to investor and environmental pressures now is the time for some strategic thinking and an urgent fast track on the development of a new industry that can replace and support jobs and economic development for regional Australia and a transition economy for Australia.
 
A recently released market analysis and forecast report by the International Energy Agency predicted modern bioenergy will have the biggest growth in the next five years, driving 40 per cent of global energy consumption growth and with the global aviation sector setting a 50% reduction in emissions by 2050, it is predicted that over 300 million tonnes of Biojet fuel will be required per annum.
 
“It is almost inconceivable that in these times of significant issues regarding fuel security, waste and declining regional economies we don’t have a national strategy for Australia’s bioeconomy. Australia needs this new industry and we are calling on a Parliamentary inquiry into the impediments of the development of the industry, and for Australia’s bioeconomy to be given a place within a Ministerial portfolio in the next Government.  We need leadership now and we need Parliament to act” says Dr Hewson
 
“Alarming reports continue to emerge regarding Australia’s low emergency fuel reserves and how it makes us “vulnerable” and creates a critical national security issue.  Australia is languishing behind other nations in fuel independence and security and has been named as the least prepared developed nation to deal with a crisis. Latest figures produced by the Department of Energy show stockpiles at the end of October 2018 were 27 days total petroleum products, 22 days of petrol and 17 days of diesel. It wasn’t that long ago that Melbourne airport virtually ran out of jet fuel, and a recent global Defence activity in Darwin had similar issues. Why are these not front page issues demanding action from our Government?”
 
“There is a new industry waiting to be developed in Australia for sustainable fuels, bio-chemicals and plastic replacements which can replace the need for fossil-fuel based derivatives entirely. If we don’t seize this opportunity we will be left behind and end up importing what we could be made locally, with significant economic and environmental impacts,” Dr Hewson said.
Dr Hewson explained that now is the time for bipartisan support to develop a new industry and economy for Australia. We need leadership, strategic thinking and for our members of Parliament to act in the best interests of our country. Lets not shoot from the hip to solve these significant challenges, lets be strategic. Just this week Minister Canavan was calling for drilling in the Great Australian Bight as a solution to our fuel security issues. Why? When Biofuels represent such a significant opportunity to not only our fuel security challenge, but also regional development, jobs, waste reduction and emissions reduction.
 
Bioenergy Australia released the Bioenergy state of the nation report (produced in collaboration with KPMG) in late 2018. The first report of its kind identified the opportunity for Australia is significant and multi-faceted, offering a $3.5-$5 billion investment opportunity, mostly in regional economies.
 
Bioenergy is generated from the conversion of solid and liquid biomass products for use as electricity, heat, gas, liquid fuels and bio-based products and delivers a range of benefits such as employment and economic development of rural/agricultural communities, energy security, utilisation of waste streams and reduction in greenhouse gas emissions.
 
-ENDS-
 
All media enquiries: Shahana McKenzie | shahana@bioenergyaustralia.org
 
Available for Interview:
• John Hewson, Chair, Bioenergy Australia
• Shahana McKenzie, CEO, Bioenergy Australia
 
About Bioenergy Australia
Bioenergy Australia is committed to accelerating Australia’s bioeconomy. Our mission is to foster the bioenergy sector to generate jobs, secure investment, maximise the value of local resources, minimise waste and environmental impact, and develop and promote national bioenergy expertise into international markets.
Australia lags behind the world when it comes to bioenergy, and we aim to change that. We empower, share knowledge, and connect Australian bioenergy producers, investors, researchers, and users to make Australia’s bioeconomy world-class http://www.bioenergyaustralia.org.au