Pongamia Research Programme — University Trials QLD

Research Programme

Active programmes across agronomy, engine performance, and carbon.

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University Engine Trials — Queensland

Active engine performance trials at a Queensland university assessing PD100™ combustion characteristics, power output, fuel consumption, and injector wear in compression ignition engines under controlled laboratory conditions.

Status: Active

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QLD Coal Mine Pre-Implementation Study

GBA awarded research grant (October 2025) for the first study assessing large-scale Pongamia development on rehabilitated coal mine land in central Queensland — examining soil compatibility, water requirements, yield projections, and employment potential.

Status: Grant Awarded — Commencing

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Field Growth Measurement — Mine Waste Sites

10-year growth and yield data from Pongamia trees growing on non-irrigated Queensland coal mine waste stockpiles. Documents canopy development, seed pod production, soil nitrogen improvement, and resilience without supplementary water or fertiliser.

Status: Ongoing data collection

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Carbon Sequestration Measurement

Independent measurement of CO₂ sequestration rates in established Pongamia plantations to underpin ACCU methodology applications. Current estimates of 6–10 t CO₂/ha/yr are being refined through direct field measurement.

Status: Field measurement phase

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Fuel Quality Analysis

Ongoing batch testing of PD100™ against DIN 51605 parameters — phosphorus content, particulate matter, acid number, oxidation stability, and viscosity profile. All testing conducted by independent accredited laboratory.

Status: Continuous

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Agronomy & Yield Optimisation

Trials across northern Queensland and NT assessing Pongamia performance on different marginal land types — saline, drought-stressed, and post-mining rehabilitation soils. Documenting yield variability and identifying highest-potential establishment zones.

Status: Active

Research Grant — October 2025

QLD Coal Mine Pre-Implementation Study — what the grant covers.

10-year-old Pongamia trees on Queensland coal mine waste demonstrating viability for research programme — 10-year-old Pongamia trees on Queensland coal mine waste — the proof-of-concept data underpinning the awarded research grant.

The research grant funds the first formal pre-implementation study assessing the large-scale viability of Pongamia plantation development on rehabilitated coal mine land in central Queensland.

Soil compatibility assessment across multiple mine waste profiles
Hydrology and water availability mapping
Yield projection modelling at commercial plantation scale
Rehabilitation regulatory pathway assessment
Employment and economic impact modelling
ACCU methodology applicability under ERF

Why mine land?

Rehabilitated coal mine land is often non-productive and carries ongoing rehabilitation obligations. Pongamia's proven tolerance for mine waste soils — documented over 10 years without irrigation — makes it a candidate for productive rehabilitation that generates both fuel and carbon credit revenue.

Our Publication Policy

We publish what we find — including uncertainty.

GBA's research programme is conducted on the basis that findings will be published — including results that complicate the commercial narrative. We do not selectively publish favourable data. This is a prerequisite for the credibility of the programme with university partners, government agencies, and potential commercial partners.

Current uncertainties we are actively researching: Yield variability across different marginal land soil types in Australia is not yet fully characterised. Engine injector wear rates at extended PD100™ operation are being quantified through the university trials. Carbon sequestration rates in mine-waste plantation conditions require direct field verification against the current estimate range of 6–10 t CO₂/ha/yr.

Enquire About Research Collaboration

Evidence-based development — not marketing claims.