The consortium intends to use Dynamotive’s fast pyrolysis technology to process mallees, a eucalyptus tree that can be grown sustainable in many areas of Western Australia. The plan is to produce a renewable fuel that will benefit the Australian farming economy.
“Over the past few years Virgin Australia has been working with stakeholders across the industry to research and develop bio-derived renewable fuels that can be used to progressively replace conventional aviation fuels,” said Virgin Australia CEO John Borghetti. “We believe this new project has great potential given the results with the technology and the availability of this unique Australian feedstock.
“It is also particularly attractive to Virgin Australia because it aligns with our commitment to supporting the Australian economy and environment, and encouraging Australian innovation,” Borghetti added.
Dynamotive has invested in excess of $100 million and more than 10 years of work in developing its fast pyrolysis technology from bench-scale through to commercial-scale plants in Canada. The plants are equipped to make pyrolysis oil for fuels and also produce biochar, for soil improvement and carbon sequestration.
“We are very excited to join Virgin Australia, Renewable Oil Corporation and the CRC in this initiative and provide our technology,” said Dynamotive CEO Andrew Kingston. “We have a great opportunity to develop a sustainable industry in Western Australia capable of producing second generation fuels that do not require food sources and have positive effects in land and water management.”
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