An $11 million renewable energy project will be developed at AJ Bush Rendering Plant in the Scenic Rim after renewables company BE Power Solutions secured $500,000 through the Palaszczuk Government’s $5 million Waste to Biofutures Fund (W2B Fund).
Minister for State Development Cameron Dick said construction of the biogas production and gas-fuelled electricity generation facility will create 25 local jobs and support two ongoing roles once operational.
“AJ Bush are leading the way when it comes to Queensland manufacturers employing and innovating leveraging biofutures,” Mr Dick said.
“The company’s plant has the largest rendering capacity in Australia, creating by-products from meat processing for domestic and export markets, and by partnering with BE Power Solutions they’ll soon be transforming waste streams into energy sources.
“AJ Bush’s vision to develop a hybrid biogas-solar-battery power plant will remove the company from the electricity grid and create a renewable energy hub to attract complementary manufacturing industries seeking affordable power.
“The project will increase operating efficiencies and showcase how renewable energy can be stored and used on-demand in an industrial facility.”
AJ Bush and Sons Queensland Manager David Kassulke said sustainability was a key consideration in the plant’s operations.
“Efficient processes and sustainable use of scarce resources can save money and reduce our environmental footprint,” Mr Kassulke said.
“It will be good for future generations while also making our business super-efficient and cost competitive in today’s global business environment.
BE Power Managing Director Scott Walkem said combining waste-to-energy and other renewable technologies would deliver superior economic, environmental and social benefits to traditional energy and waste stream treatments.
“Importantly, the lower energy costs will underpin the long-term economic viability of high energy use and help support jobs through projects being delivered in a socially responsible manner,” Mr Walkem said.
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.
“Our vision is for Queensland to have a $1 billion sustainable and export-oriented industrial biotechnology and bioproducts sector attracting international investment and creating highly skilled jobs.”
