For example, Opal Australia, a major paper company, is spearheading the pilot of an innovative, sustainable biofuel production project at the Australian Paper Mill, near Morwell. This project comes on the heels of the Maryvale Mill’s announcement in 2023 to end white paper manufacturing. This time, attention turns from old-line manufacturing to new renewable energy industries. The project not only aims to enhance economic output but to address environmental challenges by converting waste into valuable fuel alternatives.
Zerogen, Boson Energy & Xseed Solutions are thrilled to work together in this exciting collaboration. They’re doing so in a project aimed at producing hydrogen for aviation fuel by gasifying municipal solid waste. This Leave No Waste approach specifically targets municipal waste, kerbside garbage and other non recyclable material and provides the double benefit of reduced waste and creation of a renewable fuel.
Project Viability and Economic Impact
The Australian Paper Mill, which is completing a feasibility study. They are still assessing its potential for developing a new biofuel. Acknowledging the difficulties, David Jettner, Opal’s General Manager of Environment and Sustainability, said he remained optimistic on the project’s chances of success. He estimates it could bring in $25 million – $30 million to the local economy which would be a big boost, he says.
“Opal’s project continues to progress well,” he stated, highlighting the company’s commitment to environmental responsibility while pursuing economic growth.
To help, the federal government recently announced a $1 billion fund. This initiative is designed to help attract private investors to pay for the early-stage development of Australia’s low-carbon liquid fuel (LCLF) market. With this firm support, the renewable fuels market can generate more than 13,000 jobs. By 2040, it’s set to add $13 billion annually to the GDP.
Transitioning to Low-Carbon Fuels
The project aims to produce e-methanol, a low-carbon fuel alternative to fossil fuels, which can be utilized in freight ships and potentially in aviation. Scott McArdle, director of Zerogen, highlighted the project’s significance: “We are targeting those municipal waste, kerbside garbage, non-recyclables.” He pointed out that by reducing waste, the initiative prolongs landfill life and creates new industries centered on waste processing.
Developing this initiative at this time is especially visionary, as it’s right in line with global trends. It puts Australia in line with the United Kingdom and European Union, both having required the use of LCLF. This would ensure a clear market for investors and propel Australia to a global leadership position in renewable energy.
Environmental Benefits and Future Outlook
Biogenic CO2, derived from organic sources, is already a by-product at the Maryvale facility from pulping processes. Opal, for its part, has partnered with European Energy Australia, a Copenhagen-based renewables developer. Together, they will determine if it is possible to capture carbon at the mill. This step would make the federal government more environmentally sustainable by decreasing overall emissions related to the production of manufacturing processes.
Brett Hosking, an ag leader, discussed the deeper significance of fostering a renewable fuels sector. “We’ve seen it overseas for many years now,” he said. “It will be a big boost for farmers, to be sure.” He stressed the quality of Australian products and the low level of emissions within its cropping systems. This accomplishment provides a firm foundation for moving into biofuels.
