HAMR Energy Lands $10 Million Runway From Qantas and Airbus

Why It Matters

The investment fast‑tracks Australia’s ability to supply low‑carbon jet fuel, reducing reliance on imports and supporting national emissions targets. It also creates regional jobs and positions the country as a SAF manufacturing hub.

Key Takeaways

• $10M Series A led by Qantas, Airbus, Thyssenkrupp.
• Funding targets low‑carbon methanol from forestry residues.
• PRF aims 300k tonnes/year methanol production.
• New plant converts methanol into 135M litres SAF annually.
• Creates hundreds of construction jobs, 130 permanent roles.

Pulse Analysis

Demand for sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) is projected to hit 500 million tonnes by 2050, yet supply chains remain fragmented and heavily import‑dependent. Australia’s abundant plantation forestry residues present a unique feedstock that can be transformed into low‑carbon methanol, a versatile intermediate for both marine fuel and SAF. By leveraging this biomass, HAMR Energy not only taps into a growing global market but also aligns with national energy‑security objectives, reducing the carbon intensity of hard‑to‑abate transport sectors.

The $10 million Series A injection, sourced from Qantas, Airbus and industrial partner Thyssenkrupp Uhde, provides the financial runway to scale two critical projects. The Portland Renewable Fuels (PRF) facility in Victoria will produce 300,000 tonnes of renewable methanol annually, employing Honeywell’s UOP eFining technology to ensure high‑purity output. A downstream methanol‑to‑jet plant will then generate more than 135 million litres of SAF each year, positioning the complex as one of the largest domestic SAF sources. This vertically integrated model shortens supply chains, cuts logistics costs, and offers airlines a locally sourced, lower‑cost alternative to imported SAF.

Beyond the environmental upside, the projects promise substantial economic dividends. Construction phases will create hundreds of jobs, while the operational phase secures around 130 permanent positions, bolstering regional employment. The partnership with major aviation players signals confidence that Australian SAF can meet airline fuel standards and price expectations. As global regulators tighten emissions mandates, HAMR’s approach could become a blueprint for other resource‑rich nations seeking to build resilient, low‑carbon fuel ecosystems.

HAMR Energy lands $10 million runway from Qantas and Airbus

Feb 11, 2026 · 2 min read

Image: HAMR Energy

Australian low‑carbon liquid fuels company HAMR Energy has closed a $10 million Series A funding round backed by Airbus, Qantas and industrial firm Thyssenkrupp Uhde.

The funding round was opened in mid‑2025 and will now provide fresh cash to advance HAMR Energy’s pipeline of projects. These are focused on converting plantation forestry residues into low‑carbon fuels for hard‑to‑abate transport sectors, such as aviation and shipping.

The investment from Qantas and Airbus has been made through their joint Australian Sustainable Aviation Fuel investment fund, with existing investors also recommitting to the business.

“This funding round is a pivotal moment for HAMR Energy and for Australia’s clean energy future,” said HAMR Energy co‑founder David Stribley.

“With the backing of world‑class partners, we are advancing projects to deliver the lowest‑cost, lowest‑carbon fuels to decarbonise aviation and shipping at scale.”

The company’s flagship project, Portland Renewable Fuels (PRF) in regional Victoria, is designed to produce 300,000 tonnes per year of low‑carbon methanol using residues from the local plantation forestry industry. According to the business, that methanol can be used directly as a marine fuel or converted into sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

Technology provider Honeywell will support the project through its UOP eFining process technology, enabling renewable fuel production from methanol.

In addition to PRF, HAMR Energy is developing Australia’s first major methanol‑to‑jet fuel facility, which will have the capacity to convert methanol into more than 135 million litres of SAF annually. The facility is expected to create hundreds of jobs during construction and up to 130 long‑term operational roles once established.

HAMR Energy says global demand for SAF is estimated to reach 500 million tonnes by 2050, and the company’s projects could play an important role in building domestic production while supporting Australia’s decarbonisation and energy‑security goals.

“Building sustainable aviation fuel supply in Australia is essential to meeting our decarbonisation targets and reducing aviation’s emissions,” said Qantas Group chief sustainability officer Fiona Messent.

“But the benefits extend well beyond our industry — a domestic SAF sector means jobs, regional investment, and economic growth across Australia.

“HAMR Energy’s vertically integrated approach represents a significant step forward, and we’re proud to support production that will help establish this critical local industry.”

Stephen Forshaw, Airbus chief for Australia, New Zealand and the Pacific, described HAMR Energy’s methanol pathway as an “interesting technology pathway” to accelerate the industry’s transition to sustainable fuels.

“Developing low‑carbon fuel production in more of Australia’s states has the potential to create broad access for offtakers across the country — so important when we consider the reach of our industry,” Forshaw said.