Energy Estate and Queensland Cane Agriculture and Renewables (QCAR) will work together to advance the BioNQ Project in North Queensland, positioning sugarcane as a critical solution to Australia’s fuel security challenge.
The escalating conflict in the Middle East has exposed the fragility of Australia’s fuel supply chains, driving an immediate need for sovereign energy solutions. This reinforces a critical message: In an energy crisis, sugar saves.
Related article: World-first engine test to convert sugarcane into clean power
By accelerating the prospects of the BioNQ Project to convert sugarcane into low-carbon fuels, Energy Estate and QCAR are not just diversifying agricultural value, but building the domestic production capacity required to shield Australia from global oil shocks and reduce our dangerous reliance on imported fuels.
Leveraging existing regional and port infrastructure, the BioNQ Project is designed to harness currently untapped agricultural resources and unlock additional feedstock to support Australia’s transition to secure, locally produced fuels.
The BioNQ Project will supply critical fuel to aviation, agriculture and shipping sectors while delivering regional economic security through jobs and supply chain development.
Energy Estate chief projects officer Simon Currie said, “By working together, we can unlock additional feedstocks, invest in enabling infrastructure, and ensure Queensland’s agricultural industries play a leading role in Australia’s energy future—in real terms enhancing energy security for Australia and helping drive regional economic development.”
QCAR chair Russell Hall said QCAR and Energy Estate working together would advance the opportunities for sugarcane to play a central role in addressing local, state and federal priorities, including fuel security, regional development and emissions reduction.
Related article: Aussies urged not to panic buy petrol amid shortage fears
“This gives North Queensland sugarcane farmers the chance to be active participants in Australia’s energy security. For decades our feedstocks have been exported for processing offshore; we are now creating that value here to strengthen our regional communities. In a volatile world, domestic production isn’t just an option—it’s how countries survive and thrive,” Hall said.
