Key to Achieving Net Zero Emissions
Renewable Fuels Alliance
The Renewable Fuels Alliance is a consortium of 7 Australian universities, working in collaboration to accelerate the transition to a robust and pioneering renewable fuels industry in Australia.
These universities are University of Wollongong, University of New South Wales, University of Western Australia, University of Newcastle, University of Technology Sydney, University of Sydney, and University of Melbourne.
Australia faces unique challenges in the transition to a clean economy. The nation’s three largest exports (coal, iron ore, and natural gas) are all highly carbon-intensive, contributing roughly twice as much CO₂ to the atmosphere as Australia’s total domestic emissions.
Reduce reliance on imported fuels such as refined petroleum, diesel, kerosene, and crude oil (valued at approximately $45 billion per year)
By investing in renewable fuels, Australia can:
Support domestic fuel security and energy independence
Provide clean energy solutions to both Australian industries and international trading partners
Help decarbonise industry and reduce global carbon emissions through the export of zero-emission fuels
Producing and exporting renewable fuels in Australia not only supports the transition to net zero but also strengthens the economy and positions Australia as a global leader in clean energy innovation.
Renewable Fuels Australia: Powering Hard-to-Abate Sectors
Green hydrogen, ammonia, methanol, and sustainable aviation fuels are at the heart of the renewable fuels Australia movement. These advanced fuels store renewable energy and provide the only practical solution to decarbonise “hard-to-abate” sectors like industrial heating, long-haul transport, shipping, aviation, steel, and chemicals.
Together, these sectors account for about 20% of global carbon emissions and require high energy density fuels that batteries and electrification simply cannot provide.
Innovation and Investment: Building Australia’s Renewable Fuels Future
To unlock the full potential of renewable fuels Australia, we need innovation, investment, and a skilled workforce. The Renewable Fuels Alliance of universities across Australia looks to address and accelerate these critical components through collaboration both within the Alliance and with industry.
By advancing fundamental scientific knowledge and engineering solutions, Australia can overcome the technical barriers to scaling renewable fuels and lead the world in clean energy innovation.
The ARC Centre of Excellence for Renewable Fuels Bid is one such way the Alliance looks to drive renewables forward in Australia: