Mallee biomass farm tour impresses aviation industry leaders

Representatives from Airbus, GE Australia and Virgin Australia have been shown firsthand the progress being made to develop a viable biomass industry in regional Australia.

Future Farm Industries Cooperative Research Centre (CRC) hosted the visitors at two farms near Narrogin, south-east of Perth.

The visit provided an important opportunity for aviation representatives, farmers, researchers and regional development organisations to catch up on the latest developments in the CRC’s research on mallee cropping, biomass production and the potential of a commercial aviation biofuel industry.

Visitors enjoyed tours of the mallee strands where staff from the Department of Environment and Conservation and CSIRO, both CRC partners, explained the mallee supply chain including growing, harvesting and through to processing.

Peter Zurzolo, CEO of Future Farm CRC, said the presence of the aviation industry representatives was significant.

“The aviation industry represents a huge driver for mallee biofuel development. To see global aviation leaders in a paddock in the WA Wheatbelt indicates how seriously they consider the work of our CRC and partners in helping to develop an environmentally sustainable source of biofuels,” he said.

“Mallees have a big role to play in that, and it’s great to have the aviation industry as one of the many groups showing an interest in this important work.”

Zurzolo acknowledged that the industry will take a number of years to fully develop, but highlighted the more immediate environmental benefits of having mallees on farms.

“The CRC’s research has shown that mallees can contribute to the management of salinity and waterlogging, act as wind breaks to help prevent soil erosion, and encourage native wildlife by providing food and shelter. Importantly, biomass industries can provide farmers with a diversified income stream.

“We understand farmers’ impatience for tangible success with mallee industry development. However, we are confident that momentum is building to make mallee harvest and processing a reality.”

Virgin Australia and GE Australia are members of a consortium, including Future Farm Industries CRC, working together to research and develop commercial biofuel for the aviation industry. Airbus has also expressed an interest in the work being undertaken by Future Farm Industries CRC as part of the MOU.

Future Farm Industries CRC has a current $17 million bid with the Royalties for Regions scheme to further develop the biofuels industry in Western Australia.