Queensland might soon welcome a waste-to-energy solution in Ipswich via a power plant by German-based waste company Remondis. Last year, the city has been labeled the “dumping capital” of south-east Queensland after the waste levy was scrapped. The moniker has irked residents who are likewise u with the influx of trucks coming in the city to drop their waste.
The Plan
The first waste-to-energy plant in the country is currently underway in Perth. Should this new plant be approved, it will be the second such plant in Australia. The Queensland Government has expressed its support for the project.
In fact, Minister for State Development, Manufacturing, Infrastructure and Planning Cameron Dick has been very welcoming of the plan.
“The proposed plant will convert between 300,000 and 500,000 tonnes of waste per year to generate up to 50 megawatts of baseload electricity for Queensland households and businesses,” he said.
Mr Dick also said that this project could also help the lives of many residents with the jobs that it could create.
Energy Minister Dr Anthony Lynham shares the same enthusiasm regarding the potential project in the state, “This is an innovative renewable energy project that joins our $4.3 billion pipeline of renewable projects financially committed or underway,” he said.
As if on cue, this announcement came right after the announcement of the Palasczcuk Government to commit $100 million over three years to the Resource Recovery Industry Development Program (RRIDP).
The program allows local governments, established businesses, not-for-profits, and consortia, to use proven technologies for resource recovery to apply for this funding and other support that will help improve existing operations or bring better facilities to the state.
Reservations About The Multi-Million-Dollar Plant
Ipswich City Council has expressed its skepticism over the potential project showing concern about the thermal treatment of waste. The council is leaning towards exploring alternative waste technologies before making any decisions.
Also recently, opposition leader Deb Frecklington said that the announcement of the proposed plant in the city is “rubbish” as it isn’t due to start construction until 2020.
REMONDIS In Australia
REMONDIS is known for its significant resource recovery technology, energy-from-waste EfW. In fact, they are the second largest operator of EfW plants in Europe.
Breaking into the Australian market, the general manager for REMONDIS Queensland, Bret Collins said, “There is an opportunity for Australia to benefit from REMONDIS’ global experience, and other successful European and UK facilities, and incorporate energy-from-waste as part of the solution to sustainable, best practice waste management.”
How Does A Waste-to-Energy Plant Work?
A waste-to-energy plant converts municipal and industrial solid waste into electricity and heat for industrial processing. The plant burns the waste at high temperatures and the heat is converted into steam. The steam that goes through the turbine then produces electricity.