Australia’s HAMR Energy plans to build a 25 million litre per year sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) plant using methanol-to-jet technology. Construction is set to start in 2027, with the first fuel expected by 2030. The A$700-800 million (€400-450 million) facility will likely be located in South Australia or Victoria and will use low-carbon methanol from forestry residues and green hydrogen.

This project would be Australia’s first methanol-to-jet SAF plant and could reduce emissions equivalent to 3.5 million economy-class flights between Sydney and Melbourne annually. It supports industry targets like Qantas’ goal to blend 10% SAF by 2030 and addresses aviation’s growing fuel demand as it recovers post-pandemic.

Methanol-to-jet SAF development is also underway in Queensland and Tasmania, with proponents highlighting its flexibility for e-SAF production.