Zero Petroleum is set to embark on an ambitious venture in Whyalla, South Australia, initiating the feasibility study of a cutting-edge low-carbon aviation fuel production capability. This project, named Plant Zero.SA, is developed in collaboration with an aviation industry consortium comprising Adelaide Airport and Qantas Airways, and is backed by the South Australian government through a Letter of Intent which was signed today.
Whyalla has been chosen for its strategic position within South Australia’s Upper Spencer Gulf region. This aligns with the State Government’s State Prosperity Project, featuring a pioneering renewable hydrogen facility. The development is envisaged to transform the area into a key hub for emerging industries and large-scale hydrogen production.
Tom Koutsantonis, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, spoke about the significant role renewable technologies play in the state’s strategic plan. “South Australia’s leadership in renewable energy and renewable hydrogen production makes the state an ideal location for advancing e-fuel innovation,” he stated. “Hydrogen is a game-changer for industries striving to decarbonise, and aviation is no exception.” The plan enhances the development of synthetic fuels, or e-fuels, which combine renewable hydrogen with carbon dioxide. These fuels are compatible with existing transportation modes including aircraft and ships, and are integral to achieving reduced emissions in the aviation sector.
The feasibility study, spanning six months, aims to assess the project’s viability across technical, economic, and environmental parameters. In focus is the potential output of 10 million litres of synthetic aviation fuel, gasoline, and diesel annually. This initiative could generate 150 full-time-equivalent construction jobs covering a range of skills, and sustain 25 to 30 operational positions post-completion.
Joe Szakacs, Minister for Trade and Investment, praised the venture and the broader benefits it promises for the region. “South Australia is leading the way in the global green transition… We are seizing on the opportunity in front of us to transform South Australia’s economy into a green powerhouse and unlock a pipeline of business opportunities,” he said.
On the industry side, Vanessa Hudson, Qantas Chief Executive Officer, remarked on the critical role sustainable aviation fuels (SAF) will play in the industry’s future. “These projects not only reduce emissions but also create more jobs, more economic benefit and fuel security,” she commented.
Paddy Lowe, Founder and CEO of Zero Petroleum, detailed the sustainable practice of creating synthetic fuels solely from air and water. “We believe South Australia’s advanced hydrogen industry and savvy government support provides a unique opportunity to scale up for mass adoption,” Lowe stated.
Adelaide Airport, another key partner, highlighted the broader benefits for the aviation sector. Brenton Cox, Managing Director, stated, “South Australia has a significant opportunity to be a leader in sustainable aviation fuels production.”
The implications of this project extend beyond regional economic development. It stands to position South Australia at the forefront of global efforts towards non-biological, sustainable fuel technologies, marking a crucial step toward industry-wide decarbonisation by 2050.
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