Project Mandala will be located in the Gladstone State Development Area and utilise existing port infrastructure. Photo: Jet Zero

JET ZERO Australia has announced the completion of a feasibility study for Project Mandala, a proposed 400 megalitre-a-year HEFA, or hydroprocessed esters and fatty acids, biorefinery at Gladstone focused on the production and storage of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel.

The development builds on the company’s broader Australian biorefinery strategy, following the advancement of its flagship Project Ulysses in Townsville, which is nearing completion of front-end engineering and design work.

The projects aim to build long-term industrial capability and strengthen Australia’s economic resilience by expanding domestic manufacturing and service capacity across critical sectors, including defense and biofuels.

The feasibility study, supported by funding from the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade and Enterprise Singapore, a Singapore Government agency championing development, is part of a bilateral Go-Green Co-Innovation Program (GGCIP).

Jet Zero’s chief executive officer Ed Mason said the study confirmed a strong technical and commercial case for the Project.

“We are pleased to have reached this significant milestone for Project Mandala, which in addition to Project Ulysses in Townsville, is expected to deliver long-term economic benefits, including enhanced fuel security across the aviation, marine and heavy transport sectors,” Mr Mason said.

“With strong infrastructure, reliable feedstock availability and strong government support, Project Mandala is well positioned to become a flagship biorefinery for Gladstone.

“We thank the many partners behind this project and look forward to accelerating the Pre-FEED activities in 2026.”

Detailed technical analysis was undertaken by global technology leader Topsoe A/S and engineering manager Long Energy & Resources (Aust) Pty Ltd.

The biorefinery is designed with over 130 megalitres of fuel storage and the flexibility to swing between “max-SAF” production of up to 400ML pa of SAF for aviation, or a co-production mix capable of producing up to 320ML per annum of renewable diesel for the mining, marine, heavy transport and defense sectors.

The commercial case is supported by its proximity to Queensland’s largest multi-commodity port, long-term feedstock supply agreements, and the ability to produce low-carbon biofuels that comply with international fuel regulations.

Pongamia work

The project’s feedstock strategy was supported by extensive research undertaken by the CSIRO as well as market assessments.

These were undertaken by Impact Ag, a specialist agricultural investment and asset management firm, Standard Commodities Australia, a leading agricultural commodities trading and processing company, and Singapore-based company Apeiron Bioenergy, which focuses on waste-based feedstocks.

As a world first, Project Mandala also aims to process pongamia, a native Australian oilseed crop being developed by Jet Zero’s wholly owned business, Silvo Plus.

Pongamia has the potential to improve the economics of regional cattle grazing operations while supplying a sustainable source of biofuel oil.

The crop is currently being commercialised through large-scale plantation programs involving Shell and Rio Tinto, with Idemitsu and Stanmore also undertaking pilot plantings.

Enterprise Singapore’s director for Northeast Asia and Oceania Yeoh Mei Ling said the completion of the work demonstrated the “strength of what Singapore and Australian companies can build together”.

“Enterprise Singapore is pleased to have supported this collaboration between Jet Zero and Apeiron Bioenergy through the Go-Green Co-Innovation Program,” Ms Yeoh said.

“We are excited to see Jet Zero take this forward into the next phase to drive decarbonisation across key sectors like aviation, shipping and heavy industry, as well as to contribute towards longer-term energy resilience.

“We hope to see more of such partnerships, as both Singapore and Australia advance towards a sustainable and resilient future.”

Gladstone Port site

Following the completion of its feasibility study, Jet Zero has executed a Letter of Intent with Gladstone Ports Corporation to integrate the project into existing port infrastructure.

Simultaneously, Jet Zero is finalising a land deal with Economic Development Queensland to acquire the strategic project site in the Gladstone State Development Area and is engaging with the Coordinator-General on streamlined assessment pathways for the project.

Queensland Minister for Finance, Trade, Employment and Training Ros Bates welcomed the possibility of Project Mandala being co-located at the Gladstone Port.

“Our ports play a central role in regional development, serving as critical hubs for economic activity, trade and connectivity,” Ms Bates said.

“This partnership with Jet Zero delivers on our vision for Queensland to be an Asia-Pacific leader in biorefining, boosting fuel security, economic growth and regional jobs.”

GPC chief executive Andrew Johnson said Gladstone was an ideal place for this type of biorefinery.

“As Queensland’s largest multi-commodity port, Gladstone is well placed to work with Jet Zero to access the infrastructure pathways needed to support the project’s next phase,” Mr Johnson said.

Source: Jet Zero