Gladstone SDA welcomes the development of new $500m biofuels refinery

Oceania Biofuels has chosen Queensland as the place to build its new $500 million renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel biorefinery. 

With this announcement, the Yarwun Industrial Precinct in the Gladstone State Development Area is close to becoming a hub of construction activity as works are set to commence on the new facility in 2023. 

“The proposed $500 million project will be Australia’s first commercial sustainable aviation fuel biorefinery, creating around 60 direct jobs and indirectly supporting an estimated 500 regional jobs during construction and operation, providing great economic boost for the local community. 

“Oceania Biofuels were attracted to Queensland because of our commitment to develop a biofuels industry in this state. 

“This project, in addition to Northern Oil’s Advanced Pilot Plant, is growing this emerging industry in Gladstone, and strengthens our works towards creating a sustainable, export-oriented industrial biotechnology sector for Queensland, fueling our economic future and contributing to our decarbonisation targets. 

“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,” Acting Premier Steven Miles said. 

Minister for Regional Development and Manufacturing, Minister for Water and Member for Gladstone Glenn Butcher said that Gladstone is the ideal location for the new biofuels refinery. 

The refinery will also help diversify the mix of new industries in Gladstone. These new industries include HPA’s high purity alumina industrial plant, Acciona’s Aldoga Solar Farm, Stanwell Corporation’s renewable hydrogen facility and Fortescue Future Industries’ hydrogen equipment manufacturing hub. 

“Internationally, fuel security is a major issue, so this biorefinery will help improve Australia’s sovereign capability to produce and distribute finished fuels. 

“Commitments like this help to propel Central Queensland towards becoming a hub for new industry, creating long term jobs in the region, as part of Queensland’s plan for economic recovery,” Minister Butcher said. 

Selecting a site for the half-a-billion-dollar project marks a major milestone to its progress. 

Oceania Biofuels CEO Mike Everton said Gladstone is the ideal location for the refinery as the region boasts a highly skilled workforce as well as access to a deep-water port that furthers export potential. 

Once completed, the biofuels refinery will process locally sourced waste and sustainable feedstock such as tallow, canola and used cooking oil to produce over 350 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel and renewable diesel annually. 

“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. 

“This is good news for Queensland and an exciting leap for Australia’s energy industry, creating regional jobs and a new export industry that will provide decarbonised fuel options for Australian industries,” Mr Everton said. 

The contract for the project site within the Yarwun Industrial Precinct now sits with Economic Development Queensland. 

As part of Queensland’s economic recovery plan, the State Government’s Biofutures 10-year Roadmap and Action Plan outlines a vision for a billion-dollar sustainable industrial biotechnology and bioproducts sector. 

Source: Queensland Government – Media Statements; Argus Media; 7 News