Energy from waste plant for paper mill

Australian Paper has been given the environmental tick of approval for a $600 million energy from waste plant to power its La Trobe Valley paper mill.

Following a $7.5 million feasibility study, the company announced EPA Victoria has issued a works approval for its Energy From Waste (EfW) proposal.

Australian Paper is already the state’s largest generator of baseload renewable energy but consumes natural gas and coal-powered electricity to run its giant Maryvale paper mill.

David Jettner, Australian Paper’s General Manager Corporate Development, said: “Our facility is the first EfW project in Victoria to achieve a Works Approval by meeting the EPA’s stringent emissions standards.

“EfW is the missing link in Victoria’s waste management infrastructure. This Works Approval is a significant step towards a $600 million investment in the Latrobe Valley economy.”

The facility will divert approximately 650,000 tonnes of residual waste from Gippsland and Melbourne landfill each year, and utilise best available techniques in emissions control.

The project will support 690 local jobs during construction and 300 once operational. The region has been hard hit by the closure of the Hazelwood brown coal power station.

Jettner said: “We are now working to secure long term access to residual waste supply and finalise ëngineering, procurement and construction details for the project.

“We can then transition to closing out our financing arrangements for this exciting project.

A major benefit of the proposal will be to give the company control over its energy needs.

The company commented: “Like any other business or household in Australia, we are exposed to surges in energy prices and uncertainty of supply.”

Picture: Australian Paper/Maryvale

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