Sawmill waste to biofuel under consideration for Federal Minister

August 26, 2018 |

In Australia, Federal Minister for Environment and Energy, Josh Frydenberg, is visiting a timber mill near Port Macquarie to assess whether the sawmill waste could potentially be converted into biofuel for vehicles and tar for roads. A $1.2 million feasibility study will test the technical and financial viability of the proposal and, if successful, result in the construction of a biofuels refinery nearby, according to the Camden Courier.

The Federal Coalition Government, through the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), is providing $500,000 to Boral Australia for the study.

“Boral is a large user of both diesel and bitumen and Herons Creek Timber Mill produces 50,000 tonnes of sawmill waste per year – waste which is currently used for low value purposes such as boiler fuel and landscaping,” Federal Minister for Environment and Energy, Josh Frydenberg told the Camden Courier. “Should the feasibility study be successful, the biodiesel could supply up to 15 per cent of Boral’s annual diesel use – and it means the waste would be diverted from low value uses. The Federal Coalition Government recognises the importance of affordable energy for Australian businesses as well as effective waste management. Converting waste into energy is one innovative way to help tackle both of these issues.”

Category: Policy

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