An economical, low-pollutant diesel fuel is being produced from beef fat in a world-first process at Brisbane’s BP refinery.
About 110 million litres of the “renewable diesel” is expected to be produced each year through the new process.
BP refinery managing director Kathy Hirschfeld said the new fuel differed from bio-diesel because it was chemically identical to conventional diesel.
Renewable diesel is claimed to burn more efficiently and creates less pollution.
Ms Hirschfeld said the first fuel from the world-first process developed at the Bulwer Island facility would be on the market next year.
“It is very gratifying and exciting when this little site in Brisbane is recognised by the world brand of BP for producing renewable diesel,” Ms Hirschfeld said.
“From such small beginnings here I have no doubt that this could go global.”
Bio-diesel or “green” diesel is produced at two Narangba plants north of Brisbane using methanol from vegetable oil and a low-temperature and low-pressure process.