A major renewable energy initiative in Northern Tasmania in Australia is gaining momentum, with the rural town of Westbury identified as the location for a €30 million (AUD 50 million) renewable gas facility.
Construction of the Westbury BioHub could begin as early as 2026.
The project is being led by Victoria-based Optimal Group and developed in collaboration with Solstice Energy.
The BioHub will process approximately 36,000 tonnes of organic waste - such as crop residues and surplus agricultural produce - into biomethane.
The Westbury BioHub recently received a boost with an election commitment of up to €7.5 million (AUD 12.5 million) in state funding to support the project. This funding would assist with advancing the project through its final development stages and toward construction.
Once operational, the BioHub is expected to reduce carbon emissions by over 13,000 tonnes per year. It can also contribute to the circular economy by converting organic waste into clean energy while supporting industrial decarbonisation.
In addition to its environmental benefits, the project is projected to create up to 200 direct and indirect jobs across Northern Tasmania during its construction and operation phases.
Tasmanian town selected for €30 million RNG facility
