Accelerator launched to target commercial SAF production in Australia
Australia has launched a programme to fast-track the commercialisation of domestic low-carbon liquid fuels, selecting seven projects across three states to receive targeted financial, regulatory and offtake advisory support as the country moves to reduce its heavy dependence on imported fuel.
The Green Fuels Accelerator (GFA), led by investment and advisory firm Cyan Ventures and funded by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), will work with the selected projects to help them reach final investment decisions and commercial-scale production.
Industry partners including Qantas, Boeing, Mission Possible Partnership, Climate Tech Partners and SYSTEMIQ will provide additional advisory support across the cohort.
The seven projects span multiple conversion technologies and feedstocks, with facilities spread across Queensland, Western Australia and New South Wales. Each will receive bespoke support tailored to its technology and commercial stage. The support will address financing structures, offtake agreements and regulatory hurdles that typically stall early-stage fuel projects before they reach construction.
“The Green Fuels Accelerator is about converting Australia’s natural advantages into operating projects. We have the feedstocks, the innovative capacity, and willing partners across the supply chain to become a leader in low carbon fuel technology and production,” said Fraser Thompson, managing partner at Cyan Ventures.
“The benefit of a thriving domestic SAF industry is clear. What’s missing is the targeted support to get early-stage projects across the line, the financing structures, the offtake agreements and the regulatory guidance that turns potential into production.”
ARENA chief executive Darren Miller said the agency sees the programme as bridging a critical gap in the country’s energy transition.
“Australia has the potential to manufacture our own low carbon liquid fuels. We have abundant feedstocks, strong research capability and growing demand from sectors like aviation. What’s needed now is the support to help promising projects navigate the final steps to commercial scale,” he said.
The GFA is described as a pilot initiative, with the seven selected projects representing an initial cohort. Cyan Ventures has not disclosed the identities of the projects at this stage, citing the bespoke and commercially sensitive nature of the support being provided.
