19th March, 2018

A proposed innovative waste to energy project will help an iconic Latrobe Valley pulp and paper manufacturer cut carbon emissions, create new jobs and usher in a new wave of investment in the region.

Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing today helped open Australian Paper’s Information Centre in Morwell, which will feature information about the company’s feasibility study and the latest Energy from Waste (EfW) technology.

The Andrews Labor Government, along with the Federal Government, is supporting the $7.5 million study to assess the benefits of investing in EfW technology, which will feed steam into turbines with a target to generate enough electricity.  This will significantly reduce gas and electricity supplies from transmission networks.

Australian Paper is looking to invest in an EfW facility at the Maryvale pulp and paper mill, which could create more than 400 jobs in Latrobe Valley.

It would leverage technical skills and expertise, which other companies and organisations could use to drive manufacturing and energy innovation in the region.

It is expected to take approximately 650,000 tonnes each year of waste from Gippsland and metropolitan Melbourne.

It will significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, with an estimated net reduction of 500,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions per annum – the equivalent of removing 100,000 cars from Victorian roads each year – and the energy generated by the facility would be approximately 50% renewable.

The Victorian Government has supported this project in conjunction with the Commonwealth.

Quotes attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing:

“We are determined to support the work needed for new industries to grow, and to see jobs and investment continue to grow throughout the Latrobe Valley.”

“Australian Paper has a proud history in the Latrobe Valley and has made an enormous contribution to the region’s economy for 80 years. The support we are providing for this project will support the company to continue creating local jobs, reduce its carbon footprint and invest in new technologies for Gippsland.”