WHO CAN USE LOW CARBON FUELS?
Low carbon fuels can be used across many industries. They are particularly valuable in areas where electrification is not yet practical, because many are 'drop-in fuels' that work with existing engines and infrastructure. From aviation to agriculture, these fuels offer immediate pathways to reduce emissions while maintaining reliable energy supply.
AVIATION
Aviation is one of the hardest sectors to decarbonise because of its need for high-energy fuels on long flights. Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) is a drop-in replacement for jet fuel that can be used in aircrafts. Airlines such as Qantas and Virgin Australia have announced SAF commitments, and global demand is growing rapidly. Building domestic SAF capacity is essential to cut air travel emissions and strengthen Australia’s role in international aviation.
MINING
Mining operations often take place in remote areas where electrification is challenging. Renewable diesel can fuel haul trucks, on-site generators and heavy machinery, reducing reliance on imported diesel. Rio Tinto and others have trialled low carbon fuels to explore how they can support decarbonisation goals while maintaining productivity. With mining one of Australia’s largest fuel users, adopting low carbon fuels offers both emissions reductions and improved energy security in regional areas.
HEAVY FREIGHT
Trucking and logistics fleets need dense, reliable fuels to move goods across Australia’s long distances. Renewable diesel (RD) can be used in existing trucks without any engine modifications, making it a practical way to reduce emissions now. Companies like Cleanaway have already trialled HVO100 (Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil) in their fleets. Scaling up production of renewable diesel would allow Australia’s road freight sector to cut emissions while maintaining the efficiency of current supply chains.
MARITIME
Domestic shipping and international trade both rely on high-energy liquid fuels. Low carbon fuels such as renewable diesel and e-methanol provide practical alternatives for vessels ranging from coastal ferries to bulk carriers. Global operators are already shifting towards cleaner fuel options, and Australia has the opportunity to produce and export marine fuels that meet growing demand. Adopting low carbon fuels in shipping will be vital to cutting emissions in one of the hardest-to-abate global sectors.
AGRICULTURE
Farmers rely on tractors, harvesters and other machinery that require liquid fuels. Renewable diesel provides a drop-in option that can reduce emissions from farming operations while maintaining reliability. By using crop residues and other agricultural by-products as feedstocks, low carbon fuels can also create new value streams for farmers. Adoption in agriculture can deliver emissions cuts while supporting Australia’s regional economies.
RAIL FREIGHT
Australia’s rail network is critical for transporting bulk commodities and goods, especially over long distances. While some routes can be electrified, many regional and interstate lines will continue to rely on liquid fuels. Renewable diesel is a drop-in option for locomotives that can cut emissions without major infrastructure changes. Using low carbon fuels in rail helps keep freight efficient and reliable while contributing to Australia’s emissions reduction targets.
CONSTRUCTION
Heavy construction equipment like excavators, bulldozers and wheel loaders mostly run on diesel today. Renewable diesel can be used as a direct substitute, lowering emissions without modifying engines or equipment. For infrastructure projects, particularly in remote or linear worksites, low carbon fuels can provide a cleaner energy solution that supports industry decarbonisation. Switching fuels in construction helps align major projects with sustainability goals.
DEFENCE
The Australian Defence Force depends heavily on liquid fuels for operations, from ground vehicles to aircraft and naval vessels. Low carbon fuels provide a pathway to reduce emissions while strengthening national fuel security. Because many low carbon fuels are compatible with existing equipment, they can be introduced without major changes to defence infrastructure. Adopting these fuels would align operational readiness with Australia’s broader energy and climate objectives.