HEAD OF DIVISION, LIQUID FUELS AND NORTHERN ENDEAVOUR DIVISION
DEPARTMENT OF INDUSTRY, SCIENCE, ENERGY AND RESOURCES
VARIATION OF THE FUEL QUALITY STANDARDS (AUTOMOTIVE DIESEL) DETERMINATION 2019 – DECISION UNDER SECTION 13 OF THE FUEL QUALITY STANDARDS ACT 2000 (THE ACT ) – SUPPLY OF DIESEL BIODIESEL BLENDS UNTIL 31 DECEMBER 2022 OR UNTIL A B20 DIESEL BIODIESEL STANDARD HAS BEEN MADE, WHICHEVER OCCURS FIRST (NOTICE UNDER SECTION 17D OF THE ACT)
I, Shane Gaddes, Head of Division, Liquid Fuels and Northern Endeavour Division, Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources, delegate of the Minister for Industry, Energy and Emissions Reduction, provide the following information concerning my decision to vary a set of approvals under section 13 of the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 (the Act).
Name of approval holders
- Ampol Australia Petroleum Pty Ltd, granted on 24 May 2012
- Ashoil Pty Ltd, granted on 26 November 2013
- Bioworks Australia Pty Ltd, granted on 19 December 2012
- BP Australia Pty Ltd, granted on 9 September 2014
- Consolidated Biodiesel Pty Ltd acting as trustee for Eco Tech Biodiesel Unit Trust, granted on 27 June 2012
- Green Power Solutions Pty Ltd, granted on 20 April 2010
- Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd, granted on 24 May 2012
- Mogas Regional Pty Ltd, granted on 21 August 2009
- The Biodiesel Station Pty Ltd, granted on 26 February 2009
- Viva Energy Australia Pty Ltd, granted on 11 October 2011
Details of the variation
The listed approvals were granted to vary the Fuel Standard (Automotive Diesel) Determination 2001 to permit the supply of diesel biodiesel blends as specified in the original grants of approval or subsequent variations. This Determination was superseded by the Fuel Quality Standards (Automotive Diesel) Determination 2019 (2019 Determination). Original approvals and subsequent variations continued to apply under the 2019 Determination.
Pursuant to section 17D of the Act, the period of operation of each approval listed has been extended until 31 December 2022, or until a B20 diesel biodiesel standard has been made, whichever occurs first.
Period of operation
This variation comes into force on the date of signing and remains in force for each approval listed until 31 December 2022, or until a B20 diesel biodiesel standard has been made, whichever occurs first.
Summary of reasons for the approval
Having consulted with the Fuel Standards Consultative Committee as required by section 17D(3) of the Act, I grant the variation to each listed approval holder for the following reasons as provided for in section 15(1) of the Act:
(a) The protection of the environment
Tailpipe emissions from diesel-biodiesel blend use, compared to diesel, will have both positive and negative impacts on air quality as the level of biodiesel in the blend increases. In general, emissions of oxides of nitrogen increase, but particulate matter, hydrocarbons and carbon monoxide emissions all decrease.
(b) The protection of occupational and public health and safety
In terms of safety data, diesel with up to 20 per cent biodiesel has been shown to be similar to mineral diesel. Its impact on occupational health and safety should be no greater than diesel already supplied to the market.
(c) The interests of consumers
As required under the original conditions of approval, the diesel-biodiesel blends may only be supplied under contract to commercial users and not at forecourts. Fuel dispensers must also be clearly labelled to advise consumers that the diesel contains biodiesel to address any potential warranty issues.
(d) The impact on economic and regional development
As the level of biodiesel has been capped at five per cent in the diesel standard, and in the absence of a B20 diesel-biodiesel standard, industry cannot lawfully supply blends containing greater than five per cent biodiesel. This results in a barrier to the development of an Australian alternative fuels market. If the extensions are not granted, the restriction of blend levels could have a negative effect on the development of the Australian biodiesel industry.
This variation is granted subject to the conditions specified in section 17 of the Act.
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Shane Gaddes
Head of Division
Liquid Fuels and Northern Endeavour Division
Department of Industry, Science, Energy and Resources
21 December 2021