2026 Renewable Fuels Summit to focus on action

International investors, global market analysts and senior policymakers will gather at Sydney Town Hall for the 2026 Renewable Fuels Summit, marking a shift in Australia’s renewable fuels sector from ambition to delivery.

Held from 10–12 March, the Summit brings together more than 60 speakers, including over 20 international representatives from the United States, Europe and Asia–Pacific.

Capital providers, project developers, certification bodies and infrastructure leaders will meet alongside federal and state ministers to examine what it will take to move projects from concept to commercial scale.

The program spans the full renewable fuels value chain, from agricultural and waste feedstock suppliers through to technology providers, refiners, infrastructure operators, customers and off-takers across aviation, heavy transport and gas markets.

International capital providers and global market analysts will outline the pricing signals, financing models and risk frameworks shaping renewable fuels deployment. Financing discussions will include the Clean Energy Finance Corporation, Deutsche Bank, ING and Kerogen Capital, alongside analysis of global biomethane and sustainable aviation fuel markets.

Sessions will focus on bankability, de-risking capital, certification integrity and the policy settings required to unlock large-scale deployment.

A private Austrade-led investment networking component will also connect selected project developers with Australian and international capital.

Ministerial participation will span across the three days:

• Chris Bowen MP, Minister for Climate Change & Energy, will provide a video address.
• Penny Sharpe MLC, NSW Minister for Climate Change, Energy, Heritage and the Environment, will deliver a ministerial welcome on Day 2.
• Jackie Jarvis MLC, WA Minister for Agriculture and Food; Fisheries; Forestry; Small Business; Mid West, will deliver a welcome address on Day 3.
• Matt Kean, Chair of the Climate Change Authority, will join the Day 3 opening panel.
• Simon Watts, New Zealand Minister of Climate Change, Minister for Energy, Minister for Local Government, and Minister of Revenue will speak on Day 3.
   

Senior leaders from aviation and infrastructure, including Sydney Airport and Qantas, will examine the commercial signals shaping low-carbon liquid fuels, alongside defence representation through Brigadier Mark Baldock, Director General Fuel Capability.

Across renewable gas, sustainable aviation fuel, feedstock development, waste integration and carbon accounting, the program will explore how Australia positions itself in emerging global supply chains.

Bioenergy Australia CEO Shahana McKenzie said the 2026 Summit reflects a sector entering a decisive stage.

“Australia has moved beyond early-stage discussion. The focus now is on commercial deployment, bankability and global competitiveness,” McKenzie said. “We have abundant agricultural and waste feedstocks, established refining capability and growing customer demand across aviation, transport and gas markets. The opportunity is not just emissions reduction. It is for regional jobs, domestic fuel security and long-term industrial capability.

“We are seeing strong international interest in Australia’s renewable fuels potential, particularly as global markets tighten certification frameworks and demand credible carbon accounting. Investors are looking for clear policy signals, infrastructure readiness and scalable feedstock pathways.

“The Summit brings capital, government and industry into the same room to test what it will take to deliver projects at scale. That alignment is critical if Australia is to secure investment and play a serious role in global low-carbon fuel markets.”

For more information about the 2026 Renewable Fuels Summit, visit renewablefuels.org.au.

Image credit: iStock.com/coffeekai