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Geopolitical instability in the Middle East and local refinery disruptions have sent Australian diesel prices to record highs, significantly impacting the nation's mining and agriculture industries. In response, Continual Renewable Ventures (CRV) is introducing US-proven technology to Western Australia to convert waste oil and agricultural residues into hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
Through a strategic commercialization and development agreement with XCF Global—the parent company of New Rise Renewables which operates a facility in Nevada—CRV plans to replicate this modular refinery model at three separate locations across Australia: Western Australia, New South Wales, and Queensland. Renzo Petersen, CRV's managing director, identified Kwinana as the ideal site for the Western Australian plant due to its existing infrastructure and proximity to major aviation hubs.
The modular design of these bio-refineries allows for a relatively small footprint compared to traditional oil refineries. Petersen noted that the scalable nature of the technology means that a site of approximately 9.5 hectares could eventually produce up to 600 million liters of fuel annually. This renewable diesel requires no vehicle modifications and offers a greenhouse gas reduction of between 70 and 90 percent compared to conventional fuels.
Initially targeting the mining sector as it transitions toward electric power, CRV plans to later expand its focus to the agriculture and aviation industries. The company has already secured contracts for approximately 70 percent of its projected fuel output. With the potential to be fully operational in under two years, each plant is expected to create between 100 and 120 full-time jobs while providing Australian grain producers with new opportunities to participate in the renewable energy value chain.
Source: WAtoday