Mercurius pilot biorefinery in Queensland receives green light
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.