Gladstone has been selected as the location for a new $500 million renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel biorefinery, which will be the first of its kind in Australia.
The new project solidifies the Queensland Government’s work to create a sustainable, export-oriented industrial biotechnology sector and fueling the economic future whilst also furthering decarbonisation goals.
Acting Queensland Premier, Steven Miles, said Oceania Biofuels selected its biorefinery site within the Yarwun Industrial Precinct in the Gladstone State Development Area which is now under contract with Economic Development Queensland.
Mr Miles said the project will create 60 direct jobs and indirectly support an estimated 500 regional jobs during construction and operation, providing a great economic boost for the local community.
“Queensland has a great opportunity to gain a strong international reputation as the location for biofuels production in the western pacific region and this new plant will signal to the world we are ready,” Mr Miles said.
Queensland Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water, and Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher, said Gladstone was the ideal location for the refinery.
“Internationally, fuel security is a major issue, so this biorefinery will help improve Australia’s sovereign capability to produce and distribute finished fuels,” Mr Butcher said.
Mr Butcher believes the project will help in Queensland’s plan for economic recovery through becoming a new hub for the industry and creating long-term jobs.
Mike Everton, CEO of Oceania Biofuels, said it is exciting to have the project securing a site.
“We are thrilled to be bringing this world-class project to Queensland. These greener alternative fuels will help reduce emissions from our planes and heavy vehicles, while creating a bridge to a more sustainable future,” Mr Everton said.
Mr Everton said Gladstone’s highly skilled workforce and access to a deep-water port will further the export potential and help provide decarbonised fuel options for Australian industries.
“The purpose-built plant will use locally sourced waste and sustainable feedstock such as tallow, canola and used cooking oil to produce more than 350 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel per year,” Mr Everton said.
The Queensland Government’s Biofutures 10-Year Roadmap and Action Plan outlines a vision for a $1 billion sustainable industrial biotechnology and bioproducts sector in Queensland, as part of Queensland’s economic recovery plan.
Construction of the plant is due to commence onsite in Gladstone in 2023.