Media release: NSW seeks to accelerate use of renewable fuels

Media Release from NSW Goverment

The Hon. Penny Sharpe, MLC
Minister for Climate Change, Minister for Energy
Minister for the Environment, Minister for Heritage
Leader of the Government in the Legislative Council 

The NSW Government is announcing the development of a new renewable fuels strategy for NSW, starting with the release of a discussion paper, laying the foundations for a thriving renewable fuel industry. 

Renewable fuels are a critical component in achieving NSW’s goals for reducing emissions by 2030 and 2050.

These include fuels produced through sustainable processes such as biomethane, sustainable aviation fuel, and biodiesel.

They are a long-term replacement for fossil fuels in hard-to-abate sectors and can provide a decarbonisation pathway in the short-term.

Hard-to-abate sectors include aviation, manufacturing, and heavy road transport, which face barriers to electrification.

To unlock their full potential, the NSW Government recognises the need for a strategy to diversify and scale up a renewable fuel industry in NSW to meet the Government’s emissions reduction targets.

A strong renewable fuel industry in NSW offers new economic and job opportunities, improved fuel security and will accelerate decarbonisation.

The renewable fuels strategy will build on the existing NSW Hydrogen Strategy to maintain support for hydrogen to deliver long-term abatement while expanding consideration to other renewable fuels for short- and medium-term abatement.

The Opportunities for a renewable fuel industry in NSW discussion paper is open for consultation from today until Friday 30 August 2024.

The discussion paper seeks feedback on what actions should be developed to support renewable fuels in NSW. This includes actions to support infrastructure, ways to drive demand and accelerate supply, and ensure NSW communities benefit from this new industry.

Feedback received on the paper will be reviewed and used to inform the development of an effective renewable fuel strategy, to create a thriving renewable fuel industry in NSW.

For more information and to make a submission, visit the NSW Climate and Energy Action website.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Climate Change and Energy Penny Sharpe

“Renewable fuels will play an important role in meeting our emissions reduction targets for hard-to-abate sectors.

"The discussion paper is an opportunity to have your say. We encourage everyone, stakeholders and the community, to share their thoughts and ideas.

"Together we can build a robust renewable fuel industry that drives emissions reduction and benefits our state.”