The Victorian government has announced a new $10 million Waste to Energy – Bioenergy Fund to back projects aimed at creating renewable energy from organic waste.
The program will help commercial and industrial organisations in a wide variety of sectors handle waste in an environmentally friendly way, all while reducing their operational costs, like their energy bills.
The funding initiative aligns with Victoria’s commitment to cutting down organic waste from landfills by 2030 and increasing the proportion of renewable energy generated in the state to 50 per cent by 2030. It also seeks to deliver an additional 5,000 kW to Victoria’s renewable energy production while diverting organic waste from landfills.
Eligible waste streams will come from various industries, such as farming, food production, forestry, paper processing, hospitality, retail food outlets, wastewater, and more. To qualify for the funding, bioenergy can be produced through either biological or thermal technologies.
The initiative is the biggest grant investment in bioenergy the Victorian government has established to date. The program is anticipated to create new opportunities for regional development, including long-term employment.
“We look forward to encouraging new bioenergy projects which will not only help the resource and renewable energy sectors but also offer a massive opportunity for regional investment and growth.” Matt Genever, interim CEO at Sustainability Victoria.
Applications for the grant are open until the 26th of August. Visit Sustainability Victoria’s website for more information.
