Zero Petroleum, a leading producer of synthetic fuel, is exploring the opportunity for a commercial-scale production plant – Plant Zero.SA – to be located in South Australia’s Upper Spencer Gulf.
It is undertaking a feasibility study which includes collaboration with an aviation industry consortium led by Adelaide Airport and Qantas Airways.
The state government has signed a Letter of Intent to provide support to the feasibility study in a facilitating role.
Whyalla is at the epicentre of the state government’s State Prosperity Project, which will see the construction of a world-leading renewable hydrogen facility, positioning the Upper Spencer Gulf as a hub for emerging industries that will leverage hydrogen production at scale, helping to significantly reduce emissions.
Synthetic fuels, or e-fuels, are created by combining renewable hydrogen with carbon dioxide to produce a low carbon fuel compatible with existing aircraft, road vehicles and maritime applications. Sustainable fuels are the key means for airlines to reduce emissions and will be critical to achieving the industry’s goal of net zero by 2050.
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.
This initiative would support the aviation industry’s global commitment to achieving net-zero emissions by 2050 and reinforce South Australia’s efforts as a global leader in the low-carbon transition while driving innovation and economic growth in sustainable industries.
South Australia Infrastructure Minister Tom Koutsantonis said: “South Australia’s leadership in renewable energy and renewable hydrogen production makes the state an ideal location for advancing e-fuel innovation.”
“The South Australian government’s State Prosperity Project is already starting to see results with companies such as Zero Petroleum recognising the opportunity to leverage our world-leading investments in renewable hydrogen.”
“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.”
Zero Petroleum founder and CEO Paddy Lowe said: “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.”
“We are excited to make Plant Zero.SA a reality, in collaboration with the SA Government, Adelaide Airport Limited and Qantas, to create new jobs and strengthen the region’s position as one of the world leaders in sustainable energy.”
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