Australian study assesses biodiesel feedstocks

Biodiesel Magazine
December 2010
By Erin Voegele
Posted Dec. 15, 2010

A report recently released by the Australian Government’s Rural Industries Research and Development Corp. investigated the potential for using native and naturalized plant species as feedstock for biodiesel production. The study, “Evaluating Biodiesel Potential of Australian Native and Naturalised Plant Species,” assessed the feasibility of more than 200 potential feedstocks and determined that 20 locally available species have commercial potential.

“It is widely regarded that bioenergy could play a significant role in a low-carbon energy future in Australia,” said Roslyn Prinsley, general manger of the RIRDC’s New Rural Industries program. “It could help reduce our reliance on fossil fuels and provide an alternative income source for farmers though the establishment of new rural industries. But to achieve sustainable industry expansion, we need a solid scientific basis to help inform industry and government decision making, and drive potential private sector investment. [This report] will help us understand which potential feedstocks are commercially viable and best suited to Australia’s growing conditions, in particular our unique climate and soils. And, importantly, the studies help to dispel the myth that the production of bioenergy feedstocks has to come at the expense of land destined to grow crops for human consumption.”

Read more