Taskforce proposes biofuels incentives

The Western Australian (WA) Biofuels taskforce has recommended a target of 5% biofuels consumption by 2010, switching to a mandate by 2011 if the 2010 target is not achieved. The taskforce was convened in February 2006 to review and address key opportunities and impediments to developing a local biofuels industry. The taskforces report recommended that the government provide start-up support for biofuels production facilities, particularly in regional areas, and provide market leadership and market signals by adopting biofuels in government fuel contracts. Currently, Perth-based Australian Renewable Fuels Ltd. (ARF) operates the only industrial-scale biofuels plant in WA, producing 45 million liters of biodiesel each year through the conversion of tallow and canola oil. ARF Chief Executive John Lillywhite welcomed the taskforces report as a positive and practical contribution to the states biofuels industry. A lot of big companies are looking to include biodiesel in the mix, Lillywhite said. (May 17, 2007)