Mercurius pilot biorefinery in Queensland receives green light

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Type of post: NEWS IN BRIEF.

One year ago, the Blog noted the plans of Mercurius Biorefining (Mercurius) to develop and commercialise its patented process (REACH technology) to produce cost-effective drop-in biofuels and biochemicals from agricultural wastes in Queensland (Australia). The abundance of feedstocks coupled with the Queensland Government’s continued commitment to build a strong biofutures industry tipped the scales in favour of this Australian region. According to a recent announcement, the first step of the commercialisation process – the construction of a pilot biorefinery – is set to go ahead after a funding injection from the regional government.
Government statement: “Gladstone biorefinery pilot plant gets the go-ahead”, 13/2/2019.
Related post: “Mercurius Biorefining plans to establish pilot and demo plants in Queensland”, 23/2/2018.

Figure 1. Mercurius pilot biorefinery will be co-located on the Northern Oil Refinery at Yarwun (Gladstone, Queensland)

Mercurius has commenced detailed design of the pilot biorefinery and will begin construction in months. The facility is supported through the Jobs and Regional Growth Fund, which helps to facilitate private sector projects that create regional employment and economic growth opportunities. The Mercurius pilot biorefinery will be co-located on the Northern Oil Refinery at Yarwun (Gladstone, Queensland). The construction is scheduled to conclude in late 2019 and the facility will provide work for around 30 people.

Once the pilot is successfully delivered, Mercurius plans to build a larger demonstration plant, which would scale up production of biofuels and biochemicals. The demonstration biorefinery would target production of four tons of renewable diesel and jet fuel daily and could attract a combined investment value of 11 million AUD and create an estimated 50 jobs. Over the longer term, based on the performance of the pilot and demonstration plants, the company plans to establish up to five commercial scale biorefineries across regional Queensland.

Mercurius launched a crowdfunding campaign recently: https://netcapital.com/companies/mercurius.

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