Are synthetic liquid hydrocarbon fuels the future of more sustainable aviation in Australia?

A novel scheme is outlined whereby aviation fuel is synthesized using a Fischer–Tropsch process from methane and carbon dioxide produced by a power-generating plant burning coal with pure oxygen separated from air. It is concluded that there may be an opportunity to achieve a 20% net reduction in carbon emissions, whilst only sacrificing a 5% reduction in specific energy output. It is also proposed that, pending further system studies including environmental, economic, energy efficiency and energy security criteria, this integrated scheme might be most suitable for deployment within Australia.