Australia’s newest biodiesel facility in Barnawartha
Published Tue 16 Jul 2019
Bioenergy Australia Media Alert
Clean and renewable biodiesel refinery set to drive down emissions across Australia’s
transportation sector.
transportation sector.
Australia’s newest biodiesel facility has commenced production in Barnawartha Victoria and will
supply low carbon renewable B5, B20 and B100 to south-east Australia.
Just Biodiesel in partnership with Refueling Solutions, will produce biodiesel, a renewable, clean-
burning diesel replacement that is reducing Australia’s dependence on foreign petroleum, creating
jobs and improving the environment.
Greg Boyall, General Manager, Just Biodiesel said “A return of 11 former employees to the
recommissioned facility is a testament to the leadership of the company and commitment of
the locals who have successfully re-commissioned the plant in a 4-month period. We are confident
with the anticipated growth and support from many local suppliers, substantial economic benefits
will be achieved for the region”
recommissioned facility is a testament to the leadership of the company and commitment of
the locals who have successfully re-commissioned the plant in a 4-month period. We are confident
with the anticipated growth and support from many local suppliers, substantial economic benefits
will be achieved for the region”
Shahana McKenzie, Bioenergy Australia CEO said: “The revitalisation of the biodiesel plant at
Barnawartha has created new employment opportunities in the region to support the potential
production of 50 million litres of biodiesel per annum.“
Currently Australia lags well behind other nations in the production of biofuels and receipt of its
knock-on benefits. A national biofuel industry could create over 8000 direct and indirect jobs,
contribute over $1.1 billion annually to regional communities, reduce particulate matter in our air
and reduce our reliance on important fuel. This project shows that a local industry creates jobs,
enhances fuel security, and builds stronger regional economies. It will also contribute to the
reduction in emissions across our transportation sector.
Alarming reports continue to emerge regarding Australia’s low emergency fuel reserves leaving us
vulnerable and creating a critical national security issue. Australia is languishing behind other
nations in fuel independence and security and has been named as the least prepared developed
nation to deal with a crisis. Figures produced by the Department of Energy show stockpiles at the
end of October 2018 were 27 days total petroleum products, 22 days of petrol and 17 days of diesel.
Australia’s future bioeconomy is however ideally placed to transition regional economies and create
opportunities for growing regional towns, creating high value jobs and reducing emissions across
multiple sectors.
“Biodiesel is made from a diverse range of feedstocks including recycled cooking oil, and animal fats.
Meeting strict technical fuel quality and engine performance specifications, it can be used in existing
diesel engines without modification and is covered by all major engine manufacturers’ warranties,
most often in blends of up to 5 percent (B5) or 20 percent (B20) biodiesel, offering a real alternative
to traditional diesel,” Ms McKenzie concluded.
The Barnawartha biodiesel facility will be officially opened by Dr John Hewson, Chair, Bioenergy
Australia with the Welcome to Country delivered by Jida Gulpilil. Following the launch a SCANIA
Euro6 bio bus will transport interested guests for a site tour of the facility.