Mackay biofuels pilot ready to roll

Mercurius has finalised commissioning and is ready to start operations at a Mackay pilot plant that will use patented REACH technology to produce chemicals, diesel and jet fuel from sugarcane waste. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Mackay, in the heart of sugarcane country, was the perfect place for this biofuels trial to take place. “This project signals the start of a new industry for the region which means local jobs and further strengthens Mackay’s credentials as a leading biorefinery location," she said. “The plant at the Queensland University of Technology’s Biocommodities Facility in Mackay will be fully operational over a three-month period. “My government has helped get this project off the ground, providing support through the Jobs and Regional Growth fund.” The technology converts a range of biomass feedstocks into: renewable ‘drop-in’ fuels that can be tailored for use in jet and diesel engines (unlike biodiesel, the fuel requires no modification for retail sale)renewable chemicals for bio-based industrial plastics such as bottles, textiles, food packaging, carpets, electronic materials and automotive applications. The REACH process avoids the need for the use of pure sugars, high operating temperatures and high pressures, resulting in faster conversion rate and lower cost of production than current processes. Representatives from QUT will work alongside Mercurius to examine the technology and valuable by-products to enhance commercialisation opportunities in Queensland. Mercurius chief executive officer and technology development director Karl Seck has been in Mackay assisting in site preparations for the pilot equipment installation and commissioning. Karl Seck, Mercurius. “Queensland was the best location for us to run this pilot plant and we hope to see success so we can move forward with plans for a larger demonstration plant,” Mr Seck said. “The potential broader economic and environmental benefits derived from our REACH technology is significant for both the region and the low-carbon intensity biofuel industry and we are excited to get started here in Queensland.” Project leader from QUT’s Centre for Agriculture and Bioeconomy and Advance Queensland Research Fellow Dr Darryn Rackemann welcomed the progress on the project. “This is transformative technology and to be part of the pilot process is fantastic”, Dr Rackemann said. “QUT will be looking into the commercial opportunities from the REACH technology which could lead to producing renewable fuels and chemicals in Queensland creating new jobs and opportunities for regional communities.” The project has been funded through the Jobs and Regional Growth fund and aligns with the State Government’s Biofutures industry development roadmap and action plan to support and inspire Queensland businesses secure their share of the global bioproducts and services market.

Mackay biofuels pilot ready to roll

Industry Queensland

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