SAF pilot program underway at Royal Australian Air Force base in Victoria

A 12-month pilot program using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) has recently begun at the Royal Australian Air Force Base East Sale in Victoria, Australia.

The SAF pilot program marks a significant milestone in the Australian defense force’s ongoing efforts to increase energy resilience and adopt climate-mitigation strategies, as highlighted in the 2024 national defense strategy.

This pilot program contributes to the defense department’s plan to transition to the use of lower-carbon energy types, without detriment to military capability, preparedness or interoperability with allies. 

The department’s net-zero and future-energy strategies work hand in hand to provide an actionable pathway to support net-zero targets and accelerate the transition to clean energy. 

The Australian defense department’s adoption of low-carbon liquid fuels is further driven by energy-security objectives, as the establishment of an onshore domestic renewable fuels industry can reduce its dependence on imported supply.

Glen Braz, an air commander and vice marshal, said the pilot program makes RAAF Base East Sale the first airfield in Australia to operate routinely using a blend of SAF.

“This program demonstrates Defence’s ability to effectively operate our aviation capabilities using SAF, as well as the demand for industry investment in domestic SAF production,” Braz said.

Major General Carla Watts, a joint-logistics commander, said the pilot program highlights the critical importance of a secure fuel supply for the defense force.

“Domestic SAF production will bolster resilience in Australia’s liquid-fuels sector and play a crucial role in the feasibility of incorporating SAF into defense’s supply chains,” Watts said.

By investing in clean energy, investigating opportunities for adopting lower-carbon fuels and preparing for future energy needs, the defense force will contribute to a cleaner, safer environment and a more resilient Australia, the department said.

The use of SAF in the pilot program is compliant with existing military aviation-fuel standards and is consistent with those used by Australia’s allies and partners.

The pilot program has been enabled through the defense force’s relationship with strategic fuel partners Viva Energy Australia and UGL Ltd.

In conducting the SAF pilot program, the defense department said it is demonstrating its fuel supply-chain capabilities, creating the conditions for enduring SAF use and seeking to enhance fuel security by stimulating industry investment in domestic SAF production. 

The force said it will continue to pursue opportunities that demonstrate its commitment to enhanced energy resilience while transitioning to clean energy.