- Federal Government launches $1.1 billion ten-year Cleaner Fuels Program to boost low-carbon liquid fuel production in Australia
- EcoPHA developing world's first integrated process to produce both renewable biofuels and marine-biodegradable bioplastics from Pongamia oil
- Project could contribute $1 billion to national economy and create thousands of regional jobs across plantations, refining and product design
- Initial investments of up to $100 million planned for Pongamia plantations in Queensland and Northern Territory
- Products could be showcased at Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, with potential to supply sustainable aviation fuel and biodegradable products
EcoPHA Biotech, in partnership with Terra Sol Studio and leading Australian research institutions, today welcomed the Federal Government’s $1.1 billion ten-year Cleaner Fuels Program. The initiative will accelerate domestic production of low-carbon liquid fuels (LCLF), including Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) and renewable diesel, and create a once-in-a-generation opportunity for Australia to lead the global bioeconomy.
EcoPHA intends to apply this support toward pioneering the world’s first integrated process that produces both renewable biofuels and marine-biodegradable bioplastics from a single feedstock, Pongamia oil. Unlike traditional feedstocks, Pongamia oil is non-edible, cost-efficient, and regenerative, thriving on marginal land unsuitable for food crops and improving soil health by naturally fixing nitrogen.
By harnessing Pongamia alongside advanced fermentation, EcoPHA will deliver a dual-output system:
• Cleaner fuels including SAF and renewable diesel to decarbonise hard-to-abate sectors such as aviation and freight.
• PHA bioplastics for everyday applications such as 100% compostable and marine biodegradable coffee cups, lids, straws and cutlery, designed in collaboration with Terra Sol.
A world-first innovation
This dual-production capability is unprecedented worldwide. From a single source, Pongamia oil, EcoPHA can generate both fuels and plastics in one integrated location. This innovation removes reliance on separate feedstocks and facilities, lowering costs, reducing land use pressure, and delivering maximum value from Australia’s natural resources.
The potential benefits are significant:
• Reduce Australia’s reliance on imported fuels.
• Create thousands of regional jobs across Pongamia plantations, refining, and product design. • Establish a circular supply chain from farm to refinery to finished sustainable products.
EcoPHA is exploring initial investments of up to $100 million to develop Pongamia plantations in Queensland and the Northern Territory, and estimates the project could grow into a $1 billion contribution to the national economy, with alignment to a forecast $36 billion low-carbon fuels industry by 2050.
Locating the project in Queensland also positions EcoPHA and Terra Sol to supply their world-class sustainable products for the Brisbane 2032 Olympic Games, showcasing Australian innovation on the global stage.
In line with the Federal Government’s Cleaner Fuels Program, EcoPHA invites collaboration with industry leaders, from airlines, energy providers, and packaging companies, to unlock the full potential of Pongamia oils.
Quote from Dr Wilson Ling, CEO & Co-founder of EcoPHA Biotech
“The Albanese Government’s $1.1 billion commitment to low carbon liquid fuels is a powerful signal that Australia is serious about building sustainable industries of the future. At EcoPHA, we see this as a strong complement to our mission of replacing fossil-based plastics with renewable bioplastics. Both cleaner fuels and bioplastics can be produced from the same Pongamia feedstock, creating a new circular bioeconomy that delivers jobs for farmers, fuel security for the nation, and a pathway to net zero for industries like aviation. EcoPHA stands ready to collaborate with government, industry, and research partners to make this a reality.”
About us:
EcoPHA Biotech is an emerging leader in sustainable materials, delivering marine-biodegradable plastics and renewable fuels that align with Australia’s net-zero ambitions. Its PHA technology addresses two critical challenges, plastic waste and fossil fuel dependency through one integrated system. Partnering with Terra Sol, the award-winning design studio, EcoPHA ensures that sustainable innovation is not only technically advanced but also commercially desirable and consumer-ready.
EcoPHA and Terra Sol are 2025 finalists in the InnovationAus Awards for Excellence, recognising their joint leadership in sustainable biotechnology and design. Terra Sol has also been named a finalist in the global Meaningful Business 100, highlighting its impact at the intersection of creativity and sustainability.
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