Opal has taken a step forward in its net zero strategy, partnering with Delorean Corporation to investigate whether organic waste from its Maryvale Paper Mill can be converted into renewable bio-gas.
The paper and packaging manufacturer is examining a suite of alternative energy technologies as it works to reduce natural gas consumption and lower greenhouse gas emissions across its operations.
Under a newly announced collaboration, Opal and ASX-listed Delorean Corporation will undertake a feasibility study into developing a large scale anaerobic digestion facility at the Maryvale site in Gippsland. The study will assess whether organic waste generated through the paper making process can be transformed into bio-gas capable of replacing some or all of the natural gas currently powering the mill’s rotary lime kiln.
If the findings are favourable, the companies would move to a staged development process to design and construct the renewable energy facility. Opal says the project has the potential to play a central role in decarbonising Maryvale and would sit alongside a separate consortium-led plan to build Victoria’s first Energy from Waste facility.
Joseph Oliver, managing director of Delorean Corporation, said the collaboration marks an important opportunity to deploy Delorean’s anaerobic digestion capabilities on a major industrial scale.
“This partnership with Opal represents another major step in deploying our anerobic digestion expertise in Australia at scale with a blue-chip industrial partner,” he said.
“Opal's waste by-product volumes and energy demands create a compelling opportunity for renewable energy supply, while the exclusivity and joint venture structure position Delorean to capture significant long-term value in line with our build-own-operate growth strategy.”
David Jettner, general manager environment and sustainability at Opal, said the company’s net zero efforts are firmly focused on replacing fossil-based natural gas with renewable alternatives wherever possible.
“We are very excited to be working with Delorean Corporation, which has a proven track record of delivering biomethane and biogas solutions from anaerobic digestion across Australia and New Zealand,” he said.
“Sustainability guides what we do, and minimising waste is a key priority for Opal. In line with the principles of the circular economy, we are committed to finding ways to recover waste materials and find alternative value adding uses for them.”
Opal says the feasibility study is already underway, with outcomes expected to inform future investment decisions at the Maryvale Mill.
