Bioenergy is a form of renewable energy generated through the conversion of organic matter (biomass) into different forms of energy, each with distinct conversion technologies and process pathways. These can include:
- Advanced biofuels (low carbon liquid fuels) – renewable diesel, sustainable aviation fuel, green methanol and bioethanol
- Biogases – biomethane derived from anaerobic digestion
- Solid bioenergy – wood pellets for heating or electricity.
In addition, these processes also yield a range of valuable by-products (i.e. biochar, wood vinegar, syngas, biogenic CO2), adding value through improved efficiency and resource recovery.
Biomass sources include:
- agriculture residues
- municipal and construction waste
- woody biomass from mallees, blue gums, pines and hardwood
- oils such as canola and tallow.
Advanced biofuels are ‘drop-in’ fuels, low-carbon alternatives to conventional (fossil) fuels. Their compatibility with existing engines, transport and fuel distribution assets and infrastructure makes advanced biofuels an immediate solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions in hard-to-abate sectors such as mining, aviation, and agriculture while other technologies mature.
Renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel, along with other advanced biofuels, are capable of reducing lifecycle emissions by between 50 to 90 per cent depending on the feedstock and technology pathway. These biofuels offer a range of benefits, including:
- reduced reliance on imported, high emission fossil fuels
- circular economy and waste-to-energy opportunities
- new revenue streams for farmers
- reduced air pollution
- regional economic development.
New, proven conversion technologies and a growing need to reduce greenhouse gas emissions has increased interest in the local production of biofuels.
Under the State Government’s Made in WA Plan, DPIRD is leading the development of the Advanced Biofuels Strategy, a detailed analysis of what is needed to build a biofuels industry in WA.
To underpin the strategy, a techno-economic analysis of biomass feedstock landscape, supply chains, and conversion pathways needed for a sustainable, viable local biofuels industry.
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Bioenergy team