End-use applications are where low carbon liquid fuels (LCLFs) are consumed. How a fuel needs to perform depends on how it interacts with engines, fuel systems and supply chains in each sector. Across all end-uses, low carbon liquid fuels need to deliver consistent energy density, stability, safety, storage life and consider compatibility with existing fuelling and refuelling practices.
By sector applications
Select a sector to see the low carbon liquid fuels in use today, the equipment and operations they support, and who is involved across the supply chain.
Agriculture
In agriculture, low carbon liquid fuels are relevant for tractors, harvesters, irrigation pumps, grain trucks and other seasonal diesel equipment across dispersed worksites. The majority of on-farm energy use is petroleum diesel. Use depends on machinery approvals, seasonal storage needs and the practicalities of rural fuel delivery. Agriculture is also a major supplier of feedstocks for many low carbon liquid fuel pathways.
Who is involved
- Farmers and agribusiness operators choose fuels around equipment needs, cost and timing.
- Machinery dealers and service technicians advise on approved fuels, servicing and performance.
- Rural fuel suppliers and cooperatives provide delivery, storage and refuelling across regional areas.
Aviation
In aviation, a sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) blendstock is blended with conventional jet fuel. Current use centres on approved blend ratios that work with existing aircraft and fuel infrastructure. As supply scales, higher blend ratios and fully synthetic fuels are being qualified.
Who is involved
- Airlines and operators set fuel strategy, offtake and safety oversight.
- Airports and fuel suppliers manage fuel reception, storage, blending and refuelling.
- Ground handling teams and pilots follow safety and fuel-quality procedures.
Construction
In construction, low carbon liquid fuels are relevant for excavators, bulldozers, wheel loaders, cranes, generators and other equipment on sites where grid access or charging may be limited. Drop-in fuels can keep existing equipment in use, while storage and refuelling practices on site need to be checked against the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) approvals for each machine.
Who is involved
- Construction firms and principal contractors set site fuel policy and manage delivery.
- Equipment owners, hire fleets and OEM dealers confirm compatibility, warranties and maintenance.
- On-site fuel suppliers and subcontractors manage storage, refuelling and safety controls.
Maritime
In the maritime sector, low carbon liquid fuels can take several forms, from drop-in renewable diesel and biodiesel blends to dedicated dual-fuel engines running on bio-methanol, e-methanol or renewable ammonia.
Who is involved
- Ship owners and operators choose fuels and retrofit or design vessels.
- Charterers and cargo owners increasingly factor emissions performance into freight decisions.
- Ports and bunker suppliers provide fuelling services and storage, and manage safety and compatibility with port rules.
Natural resources
In the natural resources sector, low carbon liquid fuels are relevant for haul trucks, mobile plants, generators and remote power systems that depend on liquid-fuel logistics. Fuel choice depends on compatibility, large-volume supply security and the cost of delivery to remote sites.
Who is involved
- Natural resources companies set site fuel strategy and procurement.
- Mine operators, maintenance teams and OEMs monitor performance, reliability and warranty needs.
- Bulk fuel distributors and site services providers manage transport, storage and dispensing.
Rail
In the rail sector, low carbon liquid fuels are most relevant for diesel-powered freight, regional passenger and heavy-haul rollingstock operating on non-electrified corridors. Drop-in fuels can be used in existing rollingstock, while higher blends and dedicated fuels need engine and infrastructure approvals.
Who is involved
- Rail operators and infrastructure managers manage strategic operations and procurement.
- Maintenance and engineering teams responsible for engine performance and servicing.
- Fuel suppliers align supply with standards and safety requirements.
Road
In road transport, low carbon liquid fuels are most relevant in heavy freight and other high-utilisation fleets where range, fast refuelling and payload matter.
Who is involved
- Freight and logistics companies manage fleet operations, fuel purchasing and route planning.
- Vehicle manufacturers and maintenance teams manage fuel approvals, performance and servicing.
- Fuel retailers, depots and card providers support storage, access and refuelling across regional and interstate networks.
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