- Published:
- Wednesday 21 June 2023
A landmark investment by the Andrews Labor Government will boost Victoria’s bioenergy capacity with 24 projects across the state receiving funding to create renewable energy from organic waste that would otherwise end up in landfill.
More than $8 million has been provided through the Waste to Energy – Bioenergy Fund which is supporting farming and food production, and other industry sectors to turn organic waste – including agricultural, livestock, food and wood waste – into electricity, heat, gas, or liquid fuel.
The funding will support a broad range of Victorian businesses to transition their operations to renewable energy and drive down their emissions.
The projects are forecast to boost Victoria’s renewable energy capacity by an additional 6.82 megawatts (MW), enough to power 3410 homes with renewable energy.
Goulburn Valley tomato grower Katunga Fresh has received a $1 million grant. This will mean Katunga Fresh can turn spent tomato plants into a gas that will be used to heat their glasshouses, with excess gas returned to the grid.
Another project will see major dairy business Australian Consolidated Milk convert cheese whey waste into biogas that will be used to power its dairy manufacturing plant, reducing reliance on fossil fuels.
Funded projects will create up to 192 short term jobs and 29 long terms jobs – and new revenue streams for Victoria’s primary producers.
For more information see sustainability.vic.gov.au/grants-funding-and-investment/funded-grants/waste-to-energy-fund-bioenergy-funded-projects.
Quotes attributable to Minister for Environment Ingrid Stitt
“This is a significant boost to Victoria’s bioenergy sector and sends a strong signal to our industries of the critical role waste to energy has towards achieving our goals to reduce emissions.”
“These funded projects will create regional jobs and income streams for farmers, while increasing Victoria’s bioenergy generating capacity by over 6.8 megawatts.”
“This is a win for cutting the amount of waste we send to landfill, a win for generating more renewable energy in Victoria, and a win in helping drive down our emissions.”
Quote attributable to Minister for Agriculture Gayle Tierney
“These projects will allow our producers to become more energy efficient while providing them with new opportunities to develop new revenue streams.”