Charters Towers Set to Host Groundbreaking Aviation Fuel Project

A major clean energy initiative is taking shape in Charters Towers, Queensland, where Virgin Australia and Qatar Airways are partnering with Renewable Developments Australia to establish a new Ethanol-to-Jet (EtJ) fuel facility. Expected to be operational by 2029, the plant will use sugarcane grown in the region to produce up to 96 million litres of Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) each year.

This project marks a significant move toward lowering emissions in the aviation sector. SAF made from ethanol can reduce lifecycle greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 80% compared to fossil-based jet fuels. By sourcing feedstock from local agriculture, the initiative also delivers economic value—generating jobs, supporting farmers, and strengthening supply chains across rural Queensland.

Bringing together international aviation leaders and homegrown energy innovation, the Charters Towers facility places Australia at the forefront of sustainable fuel development. It’s a critical step toward cleaner skies and a more resilient regional economy.

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For more on Australia’s biofuel and sustainability efforts, visit the Queensland Government’s Biofutures page or Renewable Developments Australia.