Construction is now underway on Australia’s first thermal waste-to-energy facility - named Avertas Energy - located in the Kwinana Industrial Area approximately 40 kilometres south of Perth, Western Australia.
The project is developed by the joint venture between Macquarie Capital and Phoenix Energy, with Acciona appointed to undertake engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) as well as operations and maintenance (O&M) services with its partner Veolia for 25 years.
“We are excited to be building the first thermal waste-to-energy facility in Australia, and proud to be continuing our work in WA. We anticipate this project will contribute to the development of specialist skills in the Western Australian construction industry, creating local opportunities for subcontractors,” Acciona Geotech Managing Director Bede Noonan said.
The new facility is set to help reduce landfill by processing up to 400,000 tonnes of waste to convert into energy. Avertas Energy is also expected to generate as well as export 36MW of green energy to the local grid annually - which is enough to power over 50,000 homes.
“Pressure on landfill is a concern for communities around the world and Western Australia is taking a leadership position in Australia by embracing new methods and technologies that can sit alongside other strategies for managing waste over the long term,” Premier of Western Australia Mark McGowan said.
Avertas Energy has already secured a 20-year waste supply agreement with Rivers Regional Council and the City of Kwinana and it has also been appointed as preferred supplier of baseload renewable energy that will be supporting Western Australia Local Government Association’s (WALGA) as well as its members’ needs for green energy.
“This facility represents a significant opportunity to reduce pressure on landfill capacity and create a new and reliable source of green power. We are proud to be supporting Western Australia to achieve its waste management and green energy goals, and we are committed to engaging with local communities throughout construction and once the facility is operating,” Avertas Energy CEO Frank Smith said.
Construction of the facility is expected to support up to 800 jobs and a further 60 full-time jobs once it is operational.
Avertas Energy is due to for completion in 2021.
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Source: Avertas Energy; Renewables Now; Weekend Courier; Energy Magazine