The Federal Government has opened the new $15 million Advanced Biofuels Investment Readiness (ABIR) Program for applications. The announcement comes after the awarding of a $5 million grant to James Cook University to develop a macro-algae biofuel project.

 

“Advanced biofuels have the potential to play a role in diversifying our liquid fuel sources while reducing carbon emissions,” Minister for Resources and Energy, Martin Ferguson AM MP said.
 
“Advanced biofuels—particularly those that can integrate into existing liquid fuel supply chains and are compatible with existing engine technologies and infrastructure—could also become a significant source of regional employment.

 

The $15 million Advanced Biofuels Investment Readiness Program is designed to support the investment case of scalable, pre-commercial advanced biofuels demonstration projects in Australia.  The program is open for applications until 30 April 2012. 
 
“This new Biofuels Program builds on the Governments existing support for biofuels through the Second Generation Biofuels Program to take the next step towards establishing a commercial advanced biofuels industry in Australia," Minister Ferguson said.