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The production of biodiesel has been largely uneconomic during this period with high feedstock prices and unfavorable changes to the fuel tax regime. Limited uptake from major oil companies has further jeopardized market prospects over the past two years. Nonetheless, increasing concern over global warming and the political will to strengthen efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions remain strong factors fuelling optimism in the Australian biofuel markets.
New analysis from Frost & Sullivan (chemicals.frost.com), Strategic Analysis of the Australian Biodiesel Industry, finds that the total biodiesel production in Australia was 60,000 tonnes in 2008, a fraction of the available production capacity of 485,000 tonnes. However, if State or Federal governments enact measures such as biofuel mandates to stimulate the market, production is forecast to grow to 230,000 tonnes by 2014.
"The industry has been hit by a series of blows including rocketing feedstock prices, lack of support from the major oil companies, and weakening of political support attributed to the "food versus fuel" debate," says Frost & Sullivan Managing Director, ANZ Mark Dougan. "In spite of these factors, the long-term prospects of the market look strong – subject to more direct government intervention."
Currently, the production of biodiesel from tallow or waste cooking oil in Australia is economic, considering the relative feedstock and mineral diesel prices. However, the need to reduce dependence on imported oil is a prominent driver for this sector.
"Amid expectations of the demand for oil outpacing supply, non-conventional liquid fuels such as biofuels, oil sands, and coal-to-liquid have emerged to fill the shortfall," notes Dougan "Misgivings surrounding the increasing reliance on imported oil, especially from regions facing political turmoil, too encourage the use of biofuels to shore up domestic energy security."
Besides helping reduce Australia's deficit in oil, biodiesel offers a contribution to reducing greenhouse gas emissions from transport fuels as well as an alternative market for local farmers. However, more direct government intervention in the form of mandates or tax breaks are crucial for the market to harness its full potential.
"It is imperative for the Australian Government to provide active support to promote the growth of the biodiesel industry; taking a cue from countries including the European Union, New Zealand, and several Asia Pacific countries where government endorsement has enabled the sector to develop," says Dougan. "Without further governmental support, the domestic biodiesel industry is likely to decline and may even disappear."
Market participants need to continue to step up the rhetoric for more political support, while continuing the quest for alternative low-cost feedstocks that improve the economics of production. Governmental measures, especially those requiring oil companies to market a specific percent of biodiesel by volume, are expected to revitalize the flagging market.
If you are interested in a virtual brochure, which provides manufacturers, end users, and other industry participants with an overview of the strategic analysis of the Australian biodiesel industry, then send an email to Donna Jeremiah, Corporate Communications, at djeremiah[.]frost.com, with your full name, company name, title, telephone number, company email address, company website, city, state and country. Upon receipt of the above information, an overview will be sent to you by email.
Strategic Analysis of the Australian Biodiesel Industry is part of the Chemicals and Materials Growth Partnership Service program, which also includes research in the following markets: service: strategic opportunities for the Biofuel industry in key Sub-Saharan African countries, service: opportunities for glycerine markets within the European food industry service, strategic analysis of the Chinese biofuel market service, and strategic analysis of the Indian biofuels market. All research services included in subscriptions provide detailed market opportunities and industry trends that have been evaluated following extensive interviews with market participants. Interviews with the press are available.
Frost & Sullivan, the Growth Partnership Company, enables clients to accelerate growth and achieve best in class positions in growth, innovation and leadership. The company's Growth Partnership Service provides the CEO and the CEO's Growth Team with disciplined research and best practice models to drive the generation, evaluation and implementation of powerful growth strategies. Frost & Sullivan leverages over 45 years of experience in partnering with Global 1000 companies, emerging businesses and the investment community from 31 offices on six continents.
Strategic Analysis of the Australian Biodiesel Industry - P233
Carrie Low, Corporate Communications – Southeast Asia
P: +603 6204 5910
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E: carrie.low[.]frost.com.
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djeremiah[.]frost.com 
