Vic opens fund for waste to bioenergy projects

The Victorian Government has announced a $10 million grants program that will support projects that create electricity, heat, gas or liquid fuel from organic waste that would otherwise go to landfill. Applicable waste content includes agricultural, livestock, food and wood waste.

The $10 million Waste to Energy: Bioenergy Fund is aiming to help industries from the farming or food production sector convert organic waste into renewable energy. Projects that create jobs, create economic opportunities and foster energy independence through the safe conversion of waste into energy will be prioritised.

“Bioenergy will play a major role in delivering our targets to halve organic waste sent to landfill by 2030 and will help us on our journey to net zero by 2050,” said Minister for Environment and Climate Action Lily D’Ambrosio.

“We’re creating regional jobs and new industries and income streams for farmers through our investment in bioenergy, while diverting organic waste from landfill.”

The projects under the fund are expected to deliver around 5000 kW in renewable energy production.

The fund is taking applicants under two streams: the first concerns project development and will help applicants make progress towards new technologies, whereas the second will support projects that have already been proven but need help with constructing or purchasing infrastructure. Each stream has its own eligibility requirements and funding limits.

Funding can be applied for until 16 August 2022.

Image credit: ©stock.adobe.com/au/Alexey Kirillov