- $18.56 million awarded to Wildfire Energy through the landmark $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund (SIDF) to support new biofuels project in Brisbane.
- Investment will create up to 65 new jobs and support the establishment of waste-to-energy biogas project, with future stages to unlock Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) production.
- Fund to accelerate the growth of the Defence, Biomedical and Biofuels industries and build sovereign capability in Queensland after a decade of decline under Labor.
The Crisafulli Government is strengthening Queensland’s fuel security with an $18.56 million investment to support a new biofuels project in Brisbane.
The funding, through the Crisafulli Government’s landmark $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund, will enable Wildfire Energy to support the development of the Bulwer Island Biofuels Hub in Brisbane.
The project will support the commercial deployment of Wildfire Energy’s Queensland-developed MIHG technology, helping transform non-recyclable waste into valuable energy products and supporting the development of future fuel supply chains.
Located at the former Bulwer Island refinery site, the Hub will include a first of a kind waste-to-biofuels commercial reference plant, capable of processing up to 30,000 tonnes of residual waste a year.
The project will help convert waste feedstocks into renewable energy products and biofuels, supporting the development of sovereign fuel capability in Queensland.
Phase 1 of the project will produce bio-syngas which will be used to produce up to 1.4 megawatts of electricity annually – enough to power 1,000 homes – with future phases of the project to create bio methanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel, securing Queensland’s long-term fuel security.
Wildfire Energy’s project will create up to 65 jobs, giving Queenslanders new opportunities in the growing biofuels industry with construction will start in late 2026, and operations to begin in early 2028.
Together with progressing oil production from the Taroom Trough, unlocking more refinery capability and boosting fuel storage, the Crisafulli Government is delivering short, medium and long-term measures to lock in fuel security for Queensland.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the investment would strengthen Queensland’s sovereign biofuels capability, boost fuel security and back a home-grown industry.
“The Crisafulli Government is backing Queensland businesses that are building sovereign capability, creating jobs and delivering long-term fuel security for Queenslanders,” Deputy Premier Bleijie said.
“This investment will help grow Queensland’s biofuels capability, strengthen our sovereign fuel supply chains and reduce reliance on imported fuels by supporting home-grown technology and manufacturing.
“The Bulwer Island Biofuels Hub will turn waste into a valuable fuel source while strengthening Queensland’s energy resilience.
“After a decade of decline under Labor, the Crisafulli Government is rebuilding Queensland’s sovereign industries, strengthening our fuel security and backing the home-grown innovation that will secure our state’s future.”
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services and Member for Clayfield Tim Nicholls said the Crisafulli Government’s investment reinforced Bulwer Island’s role in Queensland’s industrial future.
“Bulwer Island has long been central to Queensland’s fuel industry, and this investment ensures it will continue playing a critical role in strengthening our state’s energy resilience for decades to come
“This project is a win for Brisbane’s north, a win for Queensland manufacturing and a win for Queensland’s fuel security.
“The Crisafulli Government is investing in projects that turn Queensland innovation into real industry, attract private investment and help rebuild our sovereign capability after a decade of decline under Labor.”
Wildfire Energy Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder Greg Perkins said the investment would accelerate delivery and help strengthen Queensland’s position as a leader in biofuels innovation and biofuels development.
“This support is a major step forward for Wildfire Energy and will help us bring our Queensland-developed technology to commercial scale,” Mr Perkins said.
“The funding allows us to move from demonstrating the technology to delivering Queensland’s first waste-to-biofuels commercial reference plant, creating jobs, attracting investment and supporting the growth of Queensland’s biofuels industry.
“Bulwer Island gives us the opportunity to show how Queensland innovation can be used to turn hard-to-recycle waste into valuable products and help build new industries for the future.”
