Australia explores tallow as renewable fuel source

Australia imports 90 per cent of its diesel, raising concerns about fuel security. The disruption of global oil supplies has intensified efforts to find alternative energy sources.

Tallow, a by-product of meat processing, is being considered as a potential solution. It can be combined with used cooking oils and canola oil to create renewable fuels.

Australia is the world's largest exporter of tallow and animal oils, with exports reaching a record $1.5 billion last year. This growth is largely due to increased global demand, especially from the United States.

Jess Bloomfield, executive officer of the Australian Renderers Association, noted that Australia produces over a million tonnes of rendered products annually, primarily from beef, following record cattle slaughter numbers.

The U.S. has a strong renewable fuels policy and relies heavily on imported tallow. Ms. Bloomfield said about 80 per cent of Australian tallow is exported to the U.S. for fuel production.

GrainCorp, the largest exporter of tallow and used cooking oil in Australia and New Zealand, is working with the government and partners to develop a domestic renewable fuel refinery in Brisbane.

Newly built rendering plants, such as Parwan Protein and Tallow, are processing low-value materials into high-grade tallow and animal feed products.

Owners of Parwan Protein and Tallow, the Failli family, plan to double, perhaps even triple, production in the coming years.