Queensland is one step closer to a $1 billion sustainable, export-oriented industrial biotechnology and bioproducts sector.
Mercurius is about to start operations at its pilot plant that will use patented REACHTM technology to produce renewable chemicals, diesel and jet fuel from sugarcane waste.
Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Mackay, which is in the heart of sugarcane country, was the perfect place for this trial to take place.
“I first met with Mercurius on a trade mission to the United States in 2017,” Palaszczuk said.
“They were attracted to Queensland because of my government’s commitment to developing a biofuels industry here.
“This project signals the start of a new industry for the region which means local jobs and further strengthens Mackay’s credentials as a leading biorefinery location.
“The plant at the Queensland University of Technology’s Biocommodities Facility in Mackay will be fully operational over a three-month period.”
Julieanne Gilbert, Member for Mackay said it’s an exciting time for the region with the project providing about 30 jobs.
“It’s great to see equipment finally here and being commissioned,” she said. “I’m proud that Mackay is now going to be looked at on a world stage during this three-month trial.”
The technology converts a range of biomass feedstocks into price-competitive, renewable ‘drop-in’ fuels that can be tailored for use in jet and diesel engines and renewable chemicals for bio-based industrial plastics such as bottles, textiles, food packaging, carpets, electronic materials and automotive applications.
The REACH™ process avoids the need for the use of pure sugars, high operating temperatures and high pressures, resulting in faster conversion rate and lower cost of production than current processes.
Steven Miles, Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development said the project was only the beginning for Queensland’s biofutures sector.
“The industrial biotechnology and bioproducts sector will attract significant international investment and create regional, high-value and knowledge-intensive jobs in manufacturing.
“If the operations are successful Mercurius will also prepare studies for another demo facility to be based in regional Queensland which would scale up production leading to even more jobs.”
Representatives from QUT will work alongside Mercurius to examine the technology and valuable by-products to enhance commercialisation opportunities in Queensland.
Karl Seck, Mercurius Chief Executive and Technology Development Director has been in Mackay assisting in site preparations for the pilot equipment installation and commissioning.
“Queensland was the best location for us to run this pilot plant and we hope to see success so we can move forward with plans for a larger demonstration plant,” Seck said. “The potential broader economic and environmental benefits derived from our REACHTM technology is significant for both the region and the low carbon intensity biofuel industry and we are excited to get started here in Queensland.”
The project has been funded through the Jobs and Regional Growth fund and aligns with the Queensland Government’s Biofutures industry development roadmap and action plan to support and inspire Queensland businesses secure their share of the global bioproducts and services market.
For more information visit: qld.gov.au
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