Viva Energy is proud to announce a significant step in helping to enhance fuel resilience and reduce the carbon footprint of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) through a new deal to supply Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF1) to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) Base in East Sale for up to 12 months.
Under this trial, up to 5 percent of the RAAF's fuel at East Sale will be SAF, marking a significant milestone in the ADF’s efforts to reduce carbon emissions without impairing military capability, preparedness or interoperability with allies. This follows the successful 2023 SAF pilot with the RAAF's
aerobatic display team, the Roulettes.
SAF, derived from renewable resources like waste oils and agricultural residues, is a game-changer in aviation, significantly cutting greenhouse gas emissions compared to conventional jet fuel. Viva Energy will supply the ADFwith SAF1 Blend of Avtur F-34 Jet, which is fully compatible with the RAAF's aircraft and infrastructure.
Conventional jet fuel manufactured at Geelong Refinery is transported by pipeline to Newport Terminal where it is blended with SAF and other elements to produce this military-grade SAF turbine fuel.
Viva Energy is collaborating closely with ADF personnel to provide logistical, operational, and product technical expertise, and exploring further SAF opportunities within the ADF. This initiative is part of Viva Energy's role as a strategic fuel partner to the ADF, supporting its fuel needs both within Australia and internationally.
“We are thrilled to expand our SAF supply to East Sale from the initial pilot with the Roulettes to this 12-month trial, benefiting a wide range of RAAF aircraft,” said Richard Xin, Viva Energy's General Manager Specialties, Marine and Defence. “Viva Energy will provide technical guidance to the RAAF on its energy transition journey while ensuring the safe and continuous supply of sustainable military-grade fuels.”
Viva Energy is proud to support the ADF with both traditional and sustainable fuels, ensuring no compromise to capability. It is also continuing to seek opportunities to expand the use of SAF in the
broader aviation sector.
1 Where mentioned in the article, SAF refers to Sustainable Aviation Fuel, which is a synthetic blending component that is blended to produce SAF Blend Avtur F-34. The manufacturing and distribution processes meet all Joint Inspection Group and American Society of Testing and Materials guidelines, with the maximum blend rate in the final product set and approved by the relevant annex in the ASTM D7566 standard and subsequently blended with conventional jet fuel and certified to UK MoD Defence Standard 91-091 and Defence (Australia) 5240E. It is supplied as a conventional military-grade aviation turbine fuel.
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About Viva Energy
Viva Energy (ASX: VEA) is a leading convenience retailer, commercial services and energy infrastructure business, with a history spanning more than 120 years in Australia. The Group operates a convenience and fuel network of almost 900 stores across Australia and supplies fuels and lubricants to a total network of nearly 1,500 service stations.
Viva Energy owns and operates the strategically located Geelong Refinery in Victoria, and operates bulk fuels, aviation, bitumen, marine, chemicals, polymers and lubricants businesses supported by more than 20 terminals and 60 airports and airfields across the country. www.vivaenergy.com.au