A new roadmap for the agriculture sector’s alternative energy transition

Industry representatives, government and a research consortium of industry experts are coming together to co-design a shared vision and roadmap to guide the energy transition for Australia’s agriculture, fisheries and forestry sectors.

Led by AgriFutures Australia, the project will build upon foundational work The Diesel Transition: Petroleum diesel alternatives for the Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry sector.

The co-design process will complement the sector’s decarbonisation efforts under the Agriculture and Land Sectoral Plan and will engage industry peak bodies, government, the National Farmers Federation and specialist expertise from some of Australia’s leading academic and research institutions to ensure the roadmap is fit for purpose and meets the needs of industry and government.

Jane Knight, AgriFutures Australia Senior Manager Rural Futures, said “This is an essential step in ensuring the agriculture sector can transition to alternative energy sources in a way that is practical, sustainable and aligned with industry needs. We are excited to work alongside stakeholders to develop a roadmap that reflects the realities and opportunities across the sector.

Australian industry is reliant on fuel imports. The global energy transition is putting pressure on fossil-fuels and alternative fuel options are being actively explored by fuel producers. Petroleum diesel is the most widely used source of energy in Australian agriculture, fisheries and forestry, representing approximately 84% of total energy consumption. Diesel is seen as a reliable fuel that meets the demands of the sector, and the sector needs to develop a coordinated roadmap that carefully considers the risks and opportunities associated with changes in the global fuels market, and the broader shift to alternative energy sources.

Cassian Drew, Managing Partner of Acclimate Partners a specialist systems change and energy transition advisory firm who will lead the work, said it is important the sector’s energy transition roadmap represents the aspirations and timeframes of Australia’s food and fibre industries.

“A genuine co-design process needs collaboration between government, experts and industry at each stage to ensure genuine connection to the needs of end users,” Mr Drew said.