Australia is exploring the implementation of mandates for low-carbon fuels to support its burgeoning biofuel industry. This initiative aims to create a level playing field for airlines and other companies, ensuring they utilize sustainable fuels. The proposal emerged from a national industry roundtable organized by Deloitte and detailed in a report released by Bioenergy Australia. The report follows a recent public consultation by the federal government regarding a National Bioenergy Feedstock Strategy and comes just after New South Wales announced a renewable fuel strategy, which includes a $170 million funding commitment. Biofuels, also referred to as low-carbon liquid fuels, are derived from renewable resources such as agricultural and forestry waste. They can replace fossil fuels, helping to reduce emissions in sectors with limited alternatives. According to the Australian Renewable Energy Agency's Bioenergy Roadmap, Australia has sufficient feedstock to establish a $10 billion-a-year biofuel market, potentially creating over 26,000 jobs. During the roundtable, attended by more than 50 groups from the waste, energy, and agricultural sectors, participants called for various changes to accelerate the biofuel industry's growth. Recommendations included mapping potential biofuel sources, enhancing data-sharing, investing in regional infrastructure, and supporting renewable gas development. Shahana McKenzie, chief executive of Bioenergy Australia, emphasized the importance of establishing clear supply and demand-side policies, such as biofuel mandates. She noted that similar actions have been taken in other Asia-Pacific countries. "Japan has announced a mandate, Singapore has announced a mandate, Korea has just announced a mandate, and we are anticipating that China will be announcing a mandate," McKenzie stated. In Australia, Qantas has set a target of using 10 percent sustainable aviation fuel by 2030. Meanwhile, Virgin Australia has partnered with Qatar on a biofuel project in Queensland. McKenzie indicated that biofuel mandates could be introduced in markets like aviation by 2028, aligning with the timeline for Australian projects to supply low-carbon fuels. Implementing these mandates would not only boost investor confidence in renewable fuels but also ensure fair treatment for companies utilizing them. "Most industries that are using these fuels would prefer that everyone is paying a little bit more," McKenzie added. In September, the federal government launched a $1.1 billion Low Carbon Liquid Fuels fund to support early-stage projects in the biofuel sector. This funding is part of a broader effort to enhance the development and adoption of sustainable fuels across Australia.