A new biorefinery project in Bundaberg will see waste water from the distillery converted into biocrude and green electricity for use by the distillery.
The project, to be designed, built and operated by Queensland-based biohub developer Utilitas, will involve re-purposing the Bundaberg East Wastewater Treatment Plant, with a view to creating a world-leading biotechnology and education hub for the future.
Utilitas plans to repurpose the soon-to-be-retired Bundaberg East Wastewater Treatment Plant, to convert organic waste from the Bundaberg Rum Distillery and other local agro-industrial counterparties, into green electricity, for return to the distillery and biocrude for the local marine industry.
The project will be supported by the Queensland Government’s Biofutures program, and is expected to create more than 30 local jobs.
Utilitas develops regional biohubs that aim to create energy, jobs and value from large organic waste producers and energy consumers.
The company investigates, designs, builds and operates bioHubs that convert manure, sewage, crop residuals, food and drink processing waste into locally generated reliable green energy (electricity, gas and fuel) and tradeable bioproducts.
According to Utilitas, the benefits for manufacturers include utility service agreements at locked in long term pricing for electricity and gas and help them meet increasing community expectations around waste management, odour and emissions.
"The Utilitas biohub advantage for food and drink businesses is that we provide the capital, the infrastructure and the expertise to manage organic waste and produce energy as a multi-utility service with locked in long term pricing," the company's CEO Fiona Waterhouse said.
"This also helps firms with environmental targets to increase their use of green energy, reduce their carbon footprint and reduce their total water use."
