Australia has sufficient feedstock resources to support a large-scale low-carbon fuels and renewable gas industry, according to newly reported findings from the country’s first National Feedstock Roundtable held in November 2025.
The roundtable, convened by Bioenergy Australia and facilitated by Deloitte, brought together more than 50 representatives from agriculture, waste management, energy and government to examine how feedstock availability, policy settings and investment frameworks could support the growth of domestic low-carbon liquid fuels and renewable natural gas.
Findings from the discussion align with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency Bioenergy Roadmap, which estimates Australia has the potential to underpin an industry valued at around $10 billion per year and support more than 26,000 jobs, largely in regional areas.
Focus on coordination and data
Participants examined the availability of agricultural residues, organic waste streams and other biomass resources, alongside the challenges associated with mobilising feedstock at scale.
A key theme emerging from the roundtable was the need for improved coordination across supply chains. Participants noted that clearer alignment between feedstock suppliers, project developers and end users would help reduce investment risk and improve project bankability.
According to the summary report, around half of feedstock suppliers and aggregators indicated that clearer long-term demand signals would be required before committing capital to new projects.
Other commonly identified priorities included:
- Nationally consistent feedstock mapping and carbon-intensity data
- Investment in regional infrastructure and logistics to support feedstock transport and processing
- Long-term policy and investment frameworks to support private sector participation
- Expanded support for demonstration and pilot projects
Role of renewable gas and low-carbon fuels
Renewable natural gas and low-carbon liquid fuels were discussed as complementary pathways within Australia’s broader energy transition.
Renewable natural gas, typically produced by upgrading biogas from organic waste and agricultural residues, can be injected into existing gas networks and used by industrial and commercial gas users. Participants noted this compatibility could allow emissions reductions without requiring major changes to existing infrastructure or equipment.
Low-carbon liquid fuels, including drop-in alternatives for transport and industrial uses, were also identified as options for sectors where electrification is more challenging.
Pathway to implementation
To support sector development, the roundtable recommended further analysis of Australia’s bioenergy potential through a national feedstock supply assessment, alongside improved data sharing to support project planning and investment decisions.
Participants also discussed the potential role of existing clean-energy and industry programs in supporting renewable gas and low-carbon fuel deployment, including through production incentives and targeted funding for early-stage projects.
Shahana McKenzie, Chief Executive Officer at Bioenergy Australia, said the roundtable demonstrated broad interest in progressing a more coordinated approach to feedstock development.
“The roundtable highlighted the importance of bringing together agriculture, waste and energy sectors to better understand how feedstock resources can be used efficiently and sustainably,” McKenzie said.
The findings from the National Feedstock Roundtable will inform ongoing work on the National Feedstock Strategy and future discussions on how low-carbon fuels and renewable gas may contribute to Australia’s evolving energy system.
