Global renewable energy company Masdar and Tribe Infrastructure Group have joined Opal Australian Paper and SUEZ’s Maryvale waste-to-energy (WtE) project as equity parters.
Infrastructure conglomerate ACCIONA has been selected as the facility’s construction partner.
According to SUEZ Australia and New Zealand CEO Mark Venhoek, the creation of this consortium is a major step forward in brining the Maryvale WtE project to fruition.
“We are delighted to partner with Masdar, Tribe and ACCIONA. Securing their global expertise in developing WtE projects complements the proven SUEZ track record of operating 55 WtE facilities globally,” he said.
Venhoek added that the project will reduce Victoria’s greenhouse gas emissions by more than 270,000 tonnes per annum and generate enough gas and electricity to power over 50,000 homes.
The facility, to be located in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley, is set to divert 325,000 tonnes of non-recyclable waste from landfill each year, generating steam and electricity to replace natural gas and coal fired electricity.
SUEZ has committed 150,000 tonnes of commercial and industrial waste to the facility each year, meeting almost half of its initial capacity.
Masdar CEO Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi said Masdar is proud to help advance Australia’s efforts to manage its waste sustainably, while delivering cleaner sources of electricity for its citizens.
“It is a pleasure to join SUEZ and Opal Australian Paper as partners in this landmark project in Victoria, together with Tribe and ACCIONA,” he said.
“We look forward to leveraging our experience from similar projects such as East Rockingham WtE in Western Australia and the Sharjah WtE facility in the United Arab Emirates to contribute to the successful development of the Maryvale project.”
Similarly, ACCIONA Australia and New Zealand CEO Bede Noonan said ACCIONA is “thrilled” to partner with Opal Australian Paper, SUEZ, Masdar and Tribe to deliver a sustainable infrastructure solution for Victoria.
“ACCIONA has a strong track record in sustainability and this project will complement our current WtE portfolio in Australia with investments at Kwinana and Rockingham,” he said.
The facility will initially comprise one processing line, providing a commercially efficient waste management solution for regional and metropolitan councils.
According to an Opal SUEZ statement, the facility is aligned with Victoria’s circular economy policy and is expected to deliver significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
“It will provide councils and industry with a meaningful alternative to landfill while meeting EPA Victoria’s stringent emissions standards,” the statement reads.
“The project will be delivered in time to address the pending closure of south-east Melbourne’s main landfill and a second line could be added in future to cater for the infrastructure requirements of Victoria’s growing population.”
The project will require an investment of roughly $500 million and is expected to deliver more than 500 jobs in Victoria and the Gippsland region during the three-year construction phase, with additional regional jobs ongoing.
“This efficient state-of-the-art recovery facility will help to secure Maryvale Mill’s future energy needs, generate valuable jobs for the Latrobe Valley region and create essential waste management infrastructure for Victoria,” Opal General Manager Corporate Development and Strategic Projects David Jettner said.
Construction of the Maryvale WtE facility is expected to commence in late 2021, with completion expected by early 2025.
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