The Victorian Government has confirmed $4.5 million in funding for a biomass plant that will convert organic waste into electricity.

 

State Energy and Resources Minister Michael O’Brien said the Government had made the initial offer last year, but an agreement had taken months to finalise for stage payments to Pacific Pyrolysis and its partners for the project.

 

"This innovative renewable energy technology will access under-utilised waste organics resources," Mr O'Brien said.

 

The pilot plant will use non-crop organic material such as green waste and waste wood from demolished buildings to power a renewable electricity pilot plant with a capacity of about one megawatt.

 

The project will offer local employment opportunities, as well as sub-contracting. A site is yet to be selected, but will be in outer metropolitan Melbourne.

 

The plant will produce a by-product called biochar, which can provide a long-lasting boost to soil fertility and provide a carbon sequestration tool for primary industry.

 

"The Pacific Pyrolysis biomass pilot plant has the potential to deliver a win-win by producing clean energy as well as providing benefits for Victoria's primary industry sector."

 

The plant will provide an advanced processing alternative for wood waste and green waste which would otherwise end up in landfill where it would produce greenhouse gases.