Photo: asunow.asu.edu

Waranga Green Energy will receive $1 million to fund a self-sustaining mixed agriculture bio-energy project – which will construct a bio-digester that can process up to 200 tonnes per day of agricultural waste to generate renewable heat and power.

The power and heat produced will then be available to power the adjacent piggery, as well as heat a co-located horticultural greenhouse operation with the excess CO₂ used to enhance horticultural growth.

As part of this project high quality organic fertilizer will also be produced for sale.

Located in Stanhope, the bio-energy plant has been designed  to minimise greenhouse gases, maximise energy efficiency and remove waste disposal constraints which are currently preventing expansion of the piggery.

The project represents a significant investment for the region, with more than 30 local jobs expected to be generated and a project value of $31 million.

It’s one of 24 grants which will be announced in the coming months, with Waranga Green Energy obtaining funding under the technology category.

The Labor Government received a strong response to the $20 million New Energy Jobs Fund with applicants providing ideas for clean energy projects that help position Victoria as a leader in new energy technologies.

The fund is a key component of our $200 million Future Industries Fund to support high growth, high value industries, such as the new energy technologies sector that are critical to securing Victoria’s future.