Australia’s Whyalla to host Zero Petroleum’s SAF site

Synthetic sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) producer Zero Petroleum is planning to set up a commercial-scale production plant – Plant Zero.SA – in Whyalla, South Australia’s Upper Spencer Gulf.

“Sustainable aviation fuels are among the greatest tools we have for achieving the aviation industry’s ambitious climate goals, and since Zero’s process uses just air and water to produce synthetic liquid fuels, we believe South Australia’s advanced hydrogen industry and savvy government support provides a unique opportunity to scale up for mass adoption,” said Paddy Lowe, Zero Petroleum Founder and CEO.

The company is currently conducting a feasibility study in collaboration with an aviation industry consortium led by Adelaide Airport and Qantas Airways. The State Government of South Australia has signed a Letter of Intent to provide support to the feasibility study in a facilitating role.

“Hydrogen is a game-changer for industries striving to decarbonise, and aviation is no exception. By fostering innovative projects such as this and collaborating with major partners such as Zero Petroleum, Qantas and Adelaide Airport, we can drive the transition to sustainable fuels while cementing South Australia’s position at the forefront of renewable energy and industrial transformation,” said Tom Koutsantonis, member of the South Australian House of Assembly.

The six-month feasibility project will evaluate the technical, economic and environmental viability of a facility capable of producing up to 10 million litres of synthetic aviation fuel, gasoline and diesel annually.

The project has the potential to create up to 150 full-time-equivalent jobs during the construction phase, spanning engineering, technical and trade roles, with 25 to 30 ongoing operational positions.