A new biogas facility at Southern Meats Abattoir in Goulburn that converts waste into power has received a $2.1 million boost from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

Federal Member for Hume Angus Taylor said funding to the biogas facility’s owner and operator ReNu Energy will enable Southern Meats to secure a more affordable source of energy.

 “This project is a win-win as it addresses the environmental challenge of disposing abattoir waste while generating affordable energy for storing meat, which we know is an energy intensive business,” Mr Taylor said.

“This is fantastic technology being taken up by a major employer in a regional centre and it’s an example of the type of innovation the Turnbull Government encourages and supports.”

The $5.75 million project includes construction of a covered lagoon where an anaerobic digestion process produces biogas by biologically breaking down effluent. 

The facility will produce 3,800 MWh of electricity per year through treating and transferring the biogas to two 800 kW dual fuel generators.

The lagoon can store biogas to be used during times of peak electricity consumption during the manufacturing process.

The generators are also able to contribute to minimising the use of electricity from the grid when prices spike during times of peak demand, through the ability to supplement biogas with mains gas.

The abattoir uses around 20,000 KWh of electricity every day.

“The Turnbull Government recognises the importance of waste management in Australia as well as the importance of energy affordability for Australian households and businesses,” Mr Taylor said.

“Conversion of waste into energy is one innovative way for us to help combat the challenges associated with both these issues.”