Cattle Trucking Sustainability: Road Trains Australia’s Shift to Biodiesel with EnviroAg Australia and CSIRO
Road Trains of Australia (RTA) is switching to using renewable biodiesel to reduce reliance on conventional diesel while supporting more sustainable practices in agriculture. RTA transport cattle across long haul trips of over 3000km in the top end of Australia. This initiative has far-reaching implications for Australia's transport sector, especially in rural and remote areas where heavy vehicles are critical for livestock transport.
The program requires no conversion of their existing fleet and will be ready to go in 2025 with this new renewable drop-in diesel fuel.
EnviroAg Australia Pty Ltd is proud to be collaborating with CSIRO under the Kick-Start Program and Road Trains of Australia (RTA) to embark on a pioneering project that develops a certifiable Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) of biodiesel production in Australia, using waste animal fats. This LCA methodology evaluates the environmental impact of the extraction of raw materials, biodiesel production at an Australian Plant, and the use of the product in heavy vehicles transporting cattle across rural, remote Australia.
EnviroAg Australia will extend the research to assess the use of a less emission-intensive alternative to diesel and its overall benefits for sustainable livestock transport for the Australian red meat industry.
RTA’s initiative to register under the Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) Scheme for long-haul cattle transport will create the framework for the business to offset their emissions with this unique approach. This not only aims to reduce greenhouse gas emissions but open up avenues for carbon trading to incentivise more companies to adopt sustainable practices and exploring opportunities outside of traditional tree planting. RTA will lead the way in demonstrating innovative solutions to directly benefit the cattle industry such as optimising transport routes or integrating technology to reduce emissions during transport.
The ACCU is done through the Land and Sea Transport Method, which was established by the Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW). By doing so, the company aims to quantify and monetize carbon reductions achieved through the use of biodiesel, positioning themselves as leaders in sustainable transport. This will not only help reduce greenhouse gas emissions but also create opportunities for carbon trading under the ACCUs scheme, providing an economic incentive for sustainable practices.
This project was made possible by CSIRO Kick-Start, an initiative that provides funding and support for innovative Australian start-ups and SMEs to access CSIRO’s research expertise and capabilities to help grow and develop their business.
EnviroAg Australia, CSIRO and RTA’s project is a significant step forward in addressing both the security and sustainability of diesel. By advancing biodiesel production and use, particularly in rural and remote Australia, this collaboration showcases a proactive approach to reducing the carbon footprint of one of the country’s most vital industries—livestock transport—while also contributing to Australia’s overall goal of carbon reduction.
Keep an eye out for the results of this ground-breaking research as this is only the start of this story.
Written by: Dr Tracy Muller - Senior Scientist
EnviroAg Australia Pty Limited is a leading provider of environmental and agricultural, science and engineering related services throughout regional, rural and remote Australia. EnviroAg Australia has a range of clients from the rural industry's largest companies to small family based agri-businesses, construction and petroleum companies, and government bodies. We also have an impressive range of R&D projects in animal welfare and soil conservation.
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