Alternative transport fuels

Experts discuss future of alternative transport fuels

World leading experts in alternative transport fuels technology will meet in Canberra this week to discuss recent advances and the future outlook of the industry.

The Synfuel Alternative Symposium, hosted by CSIRO, will bring together Australian and international research experts from July 17 to 19, to discuss the latest developments in gas-to-liquids and coal-to-liquids technology and examine the technical challenges to overcome in order to establish such an industry in Australia.

With the forecast declining levels of self sufficiency in oil, the search for alternative, locally produced fuels has become urgent. Australia’s large natural gas resources and coal reserves have the potential to provide security of supply for transport fuels.

However, according to CSIRO Petroleum’s gas-to-liquids expert, and Symposium Chair, David Trimm, there are significant technological hurdles which must be overcome to establish a viable synfuels industry in Australia.

“Many of the technical issues are unique to Australia and therefore demand local solutions – we cannot necessarily rely on imported technology,” Professor Trimm says.

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