Viva Energy has announced a new deal to supply the Australian Defence Force (ADF) with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base in East Sale for up to 12 months.
Under this trial, up to five per cent of the RAAF’s fuel at East Sale will be SAF, marking an imperative milestone in the ADF’s efforts to reduce its carbon emission without compromising its military capability or operations. This follows the successful 2023 SAF pilot with the RAAF’s aerobatic display team, the Roulettes.
SAF, procured from renewable resources like waste oils and agricultural residues, is a vital innovation to aviation, significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel.
Viva Energy will supply the ADF with SAF Blend of Avtur F-34 Jet, which is fully compatible with the RAAF’s aircraft and infrastructure.
This blend is created by the pipeline transport of conventional jet fuel from the Geelong Refinery to Newport Terminal where it is mixed with SAF and other elements to produce a military-grade sustainable turbine fuel.
According to Viva Energy General Manager of Specialties, Marine and Defence, Richard Xin, the supplier is working closely with the ADF to provide a range of infrastructural support and technical expertise.
“We are thrilled to expand our SAF supply to East Sale from the initial pilot with the Roulettes to this 12-month trial, benefiting a wide range of RAAF aircraft,” he said.
“Viva Energy will provide technical guidance to the RAAF on its energy transition journey while ensuring the safe and continuous supply of military-grade fuels.”
This enthusiasm was echoed by Commander of Joint Logistics, Major General Carla Watts, who felt the program highlighted the critical importance of a secure fuel supply for the ADF.
“Domestic SAF production will bolster resilience in Australia’s liquid fuels sector and play a crucial role in the feasibility of incorporating SAF into the Defence supply chains,” she said.
In addition to its support of the ADF, Viva Energy is continuing to seek opportunities to expand the use of SAF in the broader aviation sector.
