The Maryvale Energy from Waste (EfW) project has received an AU$48.2 million grant through the Australian Government’s Modern Manufacturing Initiative (MMI). The Hon Darren Chester MP, Member for Gippsland confirmed the grant at Opal Australian Paper’s Maryvale Mill, where the EfW facility will be co-located. The Maryvale EfW facility will reduce the site’s reliance on gas and electricity and assist in securing its energy requirements into the future.

The EfW facility will process 325,000 tonnes of residual waste, recovering valuable energy that would otherwise be lost to landfill. It will reduce net greenhouse gas emissions in Victoria by an estimated 270,000 tonnes annually and provide a sustainable efficient waste management solution aligned to the circular economy.

“With half of the project’s waste supply already committed, we are securing the remaining volume required through numerous council tender processes currently underway in metro Melbourne and regional Victoria. We expect to move to financial close for the project in the second half of 2022, so that construction can begin,” said Mr David Jettner, General Manager Opal Corporate Development & Strategic Projects.

The Maryvale EfW project is aligned with the principles of the circular economy and will bring state-of-the-art alternative energy technology to Gippsland. It will offer local and metropolitan councils and commercial customers a competitive waste management solution that will divert waste from landfill, reduce emissions and deliver a range of social benefits.

The project investment of over AU$600 million will create more than 500 jobs in Victoria and Gippsland during the construction phase, and support 450 Victorian jobs including flow on once operational. Construction is planned to commence in 2022 with the facility starting operations in late 2025.