The future is electric for Bundaberg agricultural waste

PRESS RELEASE

A $1.9 million agricultural waste to bioenergy project that will power electric vehicles within the Bundaberg Regional Council area has been backed through the Palaszczuk Government’s $5 million Queensland Waste to Biofutures Fund (W2B Fund).

Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said biogas company Energy360 has been awarded $363,000 to develop a small-scale biogas facility in Bundaberg that will transform agricultural waste into bioenergy.

“This project delivers on our biofutures vision and aligns with our government’s plan for a more sustainable, low carbon economy while creating jobs in the region and supporting Queensland’s electric vehicle strategy,” Mr Dick said.

“The anaerobic digestion to bioenergy plant will support our state’s shift to a more circular economy, turning farm waste into renewable power and fertiliser that can be returned to the farms to grow the next crop.

“The Bundaberg facility will have the capacity to convert up to 4000 tonnes of waste each year into around 830MWh of power to charge electric vehicles.

“It’s expected the waste to bioenergy demonstration plant will be commissioned in late-2021, creating eight new construction jobs and supporting one long-term operational role.”

Energy360 CEO Samantha Lamond said the company was delighted to be successful in securing a W2B grant.

“The fund is a visionary initiative from the Queensland Government,” Ms Lamond said.

“It will allow us to introduce commercial-scale bioenergy technology that can create value from horticultural waste using the process of anaerobic digestion

“The waste will come from local agriculture and food processors and feed an anaerobic digestor that will break down the organic matter to produce biogas and 3600 tonnes of fertiliser each year.

“The outputs will power the EV charging station and support opportunities for jobs, skills and training in bioenergy and resource recovery.”

Mr Dick said the first tranche of W2B funding will see $1.9 million awarded to six organisations, an investment that’s generating more than $22 million in collective project value.

“Around 85 jobs will be created during construction and operation of the projects, which will lead to greater bio innovation in our state,” he said.

“The Palaszczuk Government is committed to creating a $1 billion sustainable and export-oriented industrial biotechnology and bioproducts sector here in Queensland that promotes investment and supports jobs.”