Low carbon liquid fuels (LCLFs) are tested and certified against the same fuel quality standards as conventional fuels. These standards are set by governments and industry bodies to make sure a fuel is fit for use and performs reliably in the engines, turbines and infrastructure it is supplied to.
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Fuel standards and specifications
All liquid fuels, whether low carbon or conventional, work the same fundamental way. A fuel’s molecules react with oxygen when ignited, and that reaction releases heat as a form of energy that can be harnessed by an engine, turbine or burner. Engines, turbines and burners are designed around a defined range of fuel properties, and fuel quality standards are used to make sure those properties stay within an acceptable range.
Ignition behaviour
How readily the fuel ignites – cetane number for diesel, octane number for petrol.
Distillation profile
The temperature range over which the fuel vaporises, controlling how completely and steadily it burns.
Energy content
The heat released when the fuel burns, measured per litre or per kilogram – this determines the range a given fuel load delivers.
Density
How much mass is packed into each litre of fuel – it links volume to mass when fuel is blended, metered and injected.
Viscosity
The fuel’s resistance to flow – how it moves through pumps and filters, and how finely it sprays at the injector.
Cold flow behaviour
How the fuel performs at low temperatures – freezing point for jet fuel; cloud, pour and cold filter plugging points for diesel.
Contaminant limits
Maximum permitted levels of sulfur, water, ash, metals and other impurities.
Flash point
The lowest temperature at which the fuel forms an ignitable vapour – sets safe storage, transport and handling limits.
Fuel regulation in Australia
In Australia, fuel quality is regulated under the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000. The Act itself does not set the technical limits. Those are set in determinations made under the Act, each covering a specific fuel. It is an offence to supply a fuel that does not meet the relevant determination.
Currently in force
Petrol, renewable diesel and biodiesel
Petrol, diesel, biodiesel and ethanol blends each have a determination under the Fuel Quality Standards Act 2000 that sets the limits the fuel must meet before it can be sold in Australia.
International specifications
Aviation and maritime fuels
Aviation turbine fuel sits outside the Australian fuel quality standards. There is currently no determination for jet fuel. What governs jet fuel supplied in Australia is a set of international specifications, described below.
Quality standards and certification are different things
Fuel quality standards say whether a fuel is fit to use in engines and infrastructure. Certification schemes say how a fuel was made and what its emissions are. This page covers the first; the Sustainability and Traceability pages cover the second.
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