Which phrase are you more likely to hear at a renewable fuels conference this week, ‘mandate’ or ‘energy security’?

Which phrase are you more likely to hear at a renewable fuels conference this week, ‘mandate’ or ‘energy security’?

My money until yesterday morning was on ‘mandate’ (ie a mandatory % sustainable aviation fuel use). It’s certainly been a key theme of most other similar events I’ve attended.

But it did seem like ‘energy security’ was the topic of the day. So I thought I’d run a very unscientific test and note every time I heard either phrase used.

‘Energy security’ came out of the blocks strong, developing a commanding lead in session 1 ‘Low Carbon Liquid Fuels - Why 2026 Matters’, as we heard from potential offtakers such as Fiona Messent from Qantas and Brigadier Mark Baldock from Defence.

However ‘mandate’ fought back in session 3, when project developers had the chance to share their perspective on the challenges they face in kick starting projects.

Overall, it was a comfortable victory for ‘energy security’. Of course, a mandate for SAF (and other demand stimulation generated by government policy) would be a crucial enabler of building out a secure supply of low carbon liquid fuels. So perhaps they are both winners!

Thanks to Bioenergy Australia for organising an outstanding event, Australian Trade and Investment Commission (Austrade) for inviting Bivios to participate in the UK renewable fuels delegation this week, and Qantas and Sydney Airport for hosting some great site visits today. Now on my flight back to Perth (SAF unfortunately not included).

Other images: the first panel session yesterday, a great view from Sydney Airport’s corporate offices this morning, a Qatar Airways A380 parked up at Sydney airport and a lovely example of a Merlin engine at Qantas' corporate HQ.