Subsidised access to biofuels research and manufacturing facilities
for eligible researchers
Through the National Collaborative Research Infrastructure Strategy (NCRIS), the Commonwealth Government and State Government partners have enhanced Australia's capacity to produce biofuels and other products derived from non-food biomass in pre-commercial quantities.
This project has involved the development of five integrated sites located around Australia that aim to provide Australian based researchers with subsidised access to quality facilities, technologically advanced equipment, and technical expertise required for process development and pilot scale manufacture of biofuels and other products from lignocellulosic biomass.
The principal objectives of this project are to:
- Foster collaborative and world class research activity;
- Minimise the barriers to accessing major infrastructure; and,
- Minimise the duplication of research infrastructure.
Process Development
Laboratory infrastructure at three participating universities has been enhanced to facilitate process development activities.
- University of Sydney - Hydrothermal decomposition of biomass
- Macquarie University - Enzyme discovery, enhancement and expression
- University of New South Wales - High productivity fermentation processes
Pilot Scale Manufacture
Two pilot and demonstration scale manufacturing facilities have been established, one for the conversion of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol, and the other for the production of biodiesel from microalgae.
- Queensland University of Technology (QUT) Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant Facility - Manufacture of bioethanol and high value biocommodities from cellulosic biomass.
- Algae and Biofuels Facility, South Australian Research and Development Institute (SARDI) - Production of biodiesel and high value products from microalgae.
To learn more about the facilities and services please visit our Facilities page.
Managing Agency
AusBiotech is the managing agency for this project and is responsible for the allocation of $7.98 million of Commonwealth funding that has facilitated the development and utilisation of the facilities across Australia. When State government and host institution contributions are considered the overall biofuels project value is $15 million.
Supported by the following Governments
