EMISSION REDUCTIONS EXPLAINED
Low carbon fuels produce much lower emissions than fossil fuels. Learn how they close the carbon loop and reduce pollution
LOWER LIFECYCLE EMISSIONS
Low carbon fuels are produced from renewable feedstocks such as sugarcane, animal fats, used cooking oil, or from hydrogen and captured carbon.
These sources absorb or displace carbon dioxide during their growth or production, which significantly lowers lifecycle emissions compared to fossil fuels. For example, plants absorb COâ‚‚ through photosynthesis, effectively closing the carbon loop.
REPLACING FOSSIL FUELS
By substituting diesel, jet fuel and heavy fuel oil in aviation, mining, freight and shipping, low carbon fuels directly reduce emissions in industries that would otherwise continue burning high-emission fossil fuels. This practical switch provides one of the fastest ways to cut transport emissions while other technologies scale up.
CARBON CAPTURE & SYNTHETIC FUELS
Some low carbon fuels are produced by combining green hydrogen with captured COâ‚‚ to create e-fuels such as e-methanol or e-kerosene. This process directly removes carbon from the atmosphere or from industrial waste streams, locking it into usable fuels and reducing overall emissions.
CLEANER COMBUSTION
Burning low carbon fuels produces fewer pollutants, such as sulfur and particulates, than conventional fuels. This improves air quality and reduces secondary environmental impacts, while also supporting safer working conditions in industries like mining and construction.
USING WASTE TO AVOID METHANE
Low carbon fuels can be made from residues and waste, such as municipal, construction and demolition waste, agriculture residues and used cooking oil. Using these materials prevents them from decomposing in landfill or on-farm and releasing methane, a greenhouse gas far more potent than COâ‚‚.
Low carbon fuels are not reliant on a single source. They can be produced from:
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Waste oils (used cooking oil, tallow)
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Energy crops (canola, sugarcane)
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Crop and forestry residues
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Captured carbon with green hydrogen
Much of Australia’s potential lies in agricultural residues and waste streams - fuels made from materials that would otherwise be discarded.
BEYOND ZERO EMISSIONS:
SUSTAINABILITY MATTERS
While reducing emissions is the core benefit of low carbon fuels, sustainability goes further. The way fuels are produced - from feedstock sourcing to certification and lifecycle standards - determines their overall impact. Ensuring fuels are made responsibly protects biodiversity, food security and community trust.
