The project will also leverage a further $6 million from MBD Energy and the Advanced Manufacturing Cooperative Research Centre, taking funding to a total of $11 million.

Resources Minister Martin Ferguson was on hand to hand James Cook the cheque but also to launch a $15 million Advanced Biofuels Investment Readiness program, designed to support investment in scalable, pre-commercial advanced biofuels demonstration projects.

Ferguson said biofuels could play a key role in diversifying Australia’s liquid fuels mix.

“Advanced biofuels have the potential to play a role in diversifying our liquid fuel sources while reducing carbon emissions,” he said.

“Advanced biofuels – particularly those that can integrate into existing liquid fuel supply chains and are compatible with existing engine technologies and infrastructure – could also become a significant source of regional employment.

“Targeted investment of the kind we’re announcing today will help to deliver the technological breakthroughs industry needs on the pathway towards commercialisation,” Ferguson said.

The program is open for applications until April 30.

This story first appeared on ILN's sister publication EnergyNewsBulletin.net.