International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), International Air Transport Association (IATA), and most airlines, airports, and jet fuel suppliers across the world have made the commitment to achieve net-zero by 2050. However, aviation is well known as one of few hard-to-abate industries. Unlike the rapidly electrifying road transport, aviation has limited options. Although electric and hydrogen-powered aircraft have being developed, they are currently only be applied to short-haul routes. Given these limitations, Sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has emerged as a vital short- and middle-term solution in decarbonising the aviation sector.

Australia is well positioned to be a global leader in SAF production given its abundant bio feedstock (sheep and cattle fat and grease, agricultural crops, sugarcanes, agave, forest residues, etc). China is the world's second largest aviation market and is expected to be the largest one in the next few years. Its demand for SAF will grow rapidly in the coming decade. Our UniSA aviation team has received an SAF project grant from National Foundations for Australia and China Relations that allows us to work with stakeholders to promote the production and adoption of SAF through a series of workshops and forums to be held in Australia and China over the next two years (2024-2026). The project team will host 8 workshops/forums to raise awareness among Australian and Chinese stakeholders about opportunities for growing SAF industries and prepare Australian famers and investors to capitalise on emerging SAF business opportunities.

On 28 August 2024, we will host an SAF Roundtable Forum at Pridham Hall, City West Campus, University of South Australia, Adelaide. The speakers consist of aviation academics, SAF researchers, SAF producers, airport and logistics operators. The forum will start from 10am and finish at 3.30pm. The morning session focuses on the current status and future development of SAF production and adoption in Australia and China and the afternoon session centres on challenges and opportunities around SAF production and adoption. There will be opportunities for participants to discuss new business opportunities associated with the SAF industry and their impact on regional development.

We would like to invite aviation and environmental researchers, SAF stakeholders, and interested parties to attend this forum. This is a free event. For catering purpose, we kindly request your registration at the following link.

https://events.humanitix.com/s...