Viva Energy is delighted to play a key role in the Royal Australian Air Force Roulettes’ first public display using Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at the Williamtown Air Show this weekend.
This is an important first step for the Australian Defence Force (ADF) as it looks to reduce its environmental impact, by using more sustainable fuel to cut its carbon emissions.
SAF is a biofuel used to power aircraft, which is manufactured from renewable feedstocks like tallow and used cooking oil. It has a lower carbon footprint and is fully compatible with existing aircraft. For this campaign, SAF was blended at a 30% ratio with conventional jet fuel, with Viva Energy providing the logistical, operational, and product-quality expertise, whilst working closely with ADF personnel.
This pilot project is part of Viva Energy’s role as strategic fuel partner to the ADF, which sees the company supply fuel to support ADF requirements both locally and internationally. In this role, Viva Energy is providing technical guidance to the Royal Australian Air Force about its energy transition journey as well as delivering supply of sustainable military grade fuels.
Utilising its extensive network, Viva Energy was able to facilitate supply of the fuel for this project through collaboration with its trading partner Vitol, as well as sustainable fuels manufacturer Neste, which supplied its Neste MY Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Viva Energy is also exploring projects with its partners for the production of SAF locally, with a view to a longer-term future and manufacture in Australia.
“This is an important milestone as the ADF moves towards a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future,” said Richard Xin, Viva Energy’s Defence Business Manager.
“Viva Energy is very proud of the role it is playing in supporting the ADF via the safe and reliable supply of traditional fuels as well as assisting them with the transition to sustainable fuels that do not compromise capability,” Richard said. “To do that, we are collaborating initially with highly specialised SAF manufacturers like Neste and utilising our own extensive supply chain network and operational expertise to deliver these products for the ADF.”
Defence Industry Minister Pat Conroy said the Roulettes' flights demonstrated the government's commitment to climate conscious initiatives and to establishing a sovereign supply chain of Sustainable Aviation Fuel in Australia.
"I can't wait to see the Roulettes aerobatic display in the skies over Newcastle this weekend using sustainable aviation fuel," he said. "The Albanese Government is committed to reducing emissions and at the same time strengthening Australia's national security.”
Media Enquiries:
For more details, images or interview enquiries, please contact:
Michael Cave
T: +61 409 647 910
E: michael.cave@vivaenergy.com.au
About Viva Energy
Viva Energy (ASX: VEA) is one of Australia’s leading energy companies and supplies approximately a quarter of the country’s liquid fuel requirements. It is the exclusive supplier of high-quality Shell fuels and lubricants in Australia through an extensive network of more than 1,330 service stations across the country.
Viva Energy owns and operates the strategically located Geelong Refinery in Victoria, and operates bulk fuels, aviation, bitumen, marine, chemicals, polymers and lubricants businesses supported by more than 50 terminals and 55 airports and airfields across the country. For more information: www.vivaenergy.com.au
About Vitol
Vitol is a global leader in the energy sector with a presence across the spectrum: from oil through to power, renewables and carbon. We trade and distribute energy safely and responsibly around the world using our logistical expertise and infrastructure network. Vitol’s clients include national oil companies, multinationals, leading industrial companies and utilities. Founded in Rotterdam in 1966, today Vitol serves clients from some 40 offices worldwide and is invested in energy assets globally, including 17 m m3 of storage globally, circa 500 k b/d of refining capacity, more than 7,000 service stations and a growing portfolio of transitional and renewable energy assets. For more information: www.vitol.com
About Neste
Neste (NESTE, Nasdaq Helsinki) creates solutions for combating climate change and accelerating a shift to a circular economy. The company refines waste, residues and innovative raw materials into renewable fuels and sustainable feedstock for plastics and other materials.
As the world’s leading producer of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel and a forerunner in developing renewable and circular feedstock solutions for polymers and chemicals, Neste helps its customers to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions by at least 20 million tons annually by 2030.
Neste has also set high standards for biodiversity, human rights and the supply chain. The company has consistently been included in the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices and the Global 100 list of the world’s most sustainable companies. For more information: neste.com