Tallow could help solve Australia's fuel shortages
Australia's booming tallow industry could help reduce the nation's reliance on imported fuel, with plans to turn animal by-products into renewable fuels on home soil.
Australia relies on diesel imports for transportation, agriculture, and mining. The Iran war has exposed the country's dependence on foreign oil, sparking interest in alternative energy sources. GrainCorp's Jeff Summerville believes tallow, a cattle and sheep by-product, could be part of the solution. Tallow is made from rendered animal fat, oils, and bones and can be combined with cooking oils to produce renewable fuels.
Australia is the world's largest tallow exporter, with exports reaching a record $1.5 billion last year due to global demand. More than a million tonnes of rendered products were produced last year from beef, following the highest cattle slaughter in 45 years. The value of tallow rose by 26% last year as the US, which lacks sufficient feedstock, heavily imports it.
The Australian government supports renewable fuel development through the Cleaner Fuels Program. GrainCorp, Australia's largest tallow and used cooking oil exporter, is planning a domestic renewable fuel refinery in Brisbane to boost fuel security.
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