JBS Australia to produce biogas from meat process waste

Meat and food processing company JBS Australia is constructing a bioenergy system at its Scone Processing Plant in New South Wales that eliminate the equivalent of 28,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions per year.

The system will capture wastewater emissions and substitute its liquified natural gas (LNG) consumption with renewable gas sourced from an anaerobic wastewater treatment process, reducing odours and improving local amenity.

Under construction in a partnership with biogas handling company Energy360, the system will transform existing current wastewater treatment process into a circular flow that captures and reuses biogas.

The Chief Operating Officer of JBS Australia’s Southern Division Sam McConnell said that the facility aligned with the company’s commitment to innovation and responsible business practices.

“By harnessing the potential of renewable energy sources, we not only reduce our carbon footprint but also enhance our operational efficiency.”

Biogas, a naturally occurring by-product produced from anaerobic wastewater breakdown, will be produced by encasing the facility’s wastewater under sealed pond covers.

The initial stages of pond cover installation are expected to be completed by the end of November 2023 and will generate Energy Savings Certificates (ESCs)..

JBS’s pledge towards net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040 has seen the company invest $11.1 million in bioenergy systems at its Dinmore, Beef City (Toowoomba) and Scone facilities.

Group Manager Sustainability at JBS Australia Sam Churchill said: “The Scone facility construction marks another important milestone on our Net Zero journey.”

Picture: JBS Australia