- Rio Tinto starts Pongamia seed farms in Australia for renewable diesel, partnering with Midway Limited to reduce fossil fuel reliance and explore biofuel potential.
Tue Sep 17 18:33:31 -0000 2024 UTC– Rio Tinto begins biofuel crop farming trial in Australia to produce renewable diesel using Pongamia seed oil, aiming to reduce emissions and explore alternative energy sources.
Pilot Project in Australia
Rio Tinto announced a new biofuels pilot project in Australia, focusing on the development of Pongamia seed farms to explore the potential of Pongamia seed oil as a feedstock for renewable diesel. This initiative is part of Rio Tinto’s broader strategy to reduce reliance on fossil fuels while advancing towards its goal of achieving net-zero Scope 1 and 2 carbon emissions by 2050.
3,000 Hectares
The company is finalizing the acquisition of approximately 3,000 hectares of cleared land near Townsville, north Queensland, to establish farms that will study growth conditions and measure seed oil yields. Pongamia (Millettia pinnata), a legume tree native to Australia, is known for its oil-rich seeds, which can be processed into renewable diesel, offering significant reductions in life-cycle carbon emissions compared to conventional fossil fuels.
Pongamia – A Versatile Legume Tree
Pongamia (Millettia pinnata) is a versatile legume tree native to Australia and parts of Southeast Asia. It has garnered attention for its potential in sustainable agriculture and renewable energy due to several key characteristics:
- Oil-Rich Seeds: Pongamia produces seeds that are high in oil content, making them suitable for processing into biofuels, particularly renewable diesel. The oil extracted from Pongamia seeds has been studied as a promising alternative to traditional fossil fuels, offering significant reductions in carbon emissions.
- Resilience and Adaptability: Pongamia is known for its hardiness and ability to thrive in a variety of environmental conditions, including poor soils and semi-arid regions. This resilience makes it a viable crop for marginal lands where other agricultural activities might be less successful.
- Carbon Sequestration: Pongamia trees can play a role in carbon sequestration. As a perennial plant, Pongamia helps store carbon dioxide in its biomass and in the soil, contributing to overall carbon reduction efforts. Additionally, the harvesting of seeds does not require cutting down the trees, allowing for continuous carbon capture.
- Environmental Benefits: Beyond its potential in biofuel production, Pongamia can improve soil quality and reduce erosion, thanks to its nitrogen-fixing properties. The tree enhances soil fertility by fixing atmospheric nitrogen into the soil, which can benefit surrounding plants and ecosystems.
- Annual Harvest: Pongamia seeds can be harvested annually, providing a consistent and renewable source of oil without the need for replanting. This makes it an attractive crop for long-term agricultural and industrial projects.
- Non-Food Crop: Since Pongamia is not a food crop, its cultivation for biofuel does not directly compete with food production, addressing a common concern associated with biofuel crops like corn or soy.
Given these attributes, Pongamia is increasingly seen as a promising candidate for sustainable biofuel production, particularly in regions where it naturally grows or can be easily cultivated.
Local Partnerships
Rio Tinto has partnered with Midway Limited, a major Australian woodfibre processor and exporter, to oversee the planting and management of the Pongamia seed farms. Midway will collaborate with nurseries, agricultural experts, and research organizations throughout the pilot, while also prioritizing opportunities for Traditional Owners and local communities.
Renewable Diesel
This pilot will help determine if Pongamia seed oil can meet Rio Tinto’s renewable diesel needs and contribute to the growth of a new biofuel sector in Australia. As part of its ongoing commitment to sustainability, Rio Tinto views biofuels as a critical element in reducing its carbon footprint while waiting for fleet electrification technologies to fully mature.