8 July 2013

2 minute read

Oceania

Binderee Beef is to receive a A$23 million grant to build the biogas plant that is also hoped will increase jobs in the Inverell area.

Tony Windsor, the independent member for the area, who has championed the project, said: “This A$46 million project represents the first time this technology has been used in an abattoir, making Binderee Beef a world leader in meat processing.

“Clean energy will cut the ustility cost of processing each head of cattle by more than a third.

“This will make the business much more internationally competitive, creating the opportunity for a boost in production that could deliver hundreds of new jobs.

“More jobs and stronger demand for cattle will boost the entire region’s economy.

“Funded by Australia’s carbon price, this project will make Binderee Beef an example to the world of how food manufacturers can slash both carbon emissions and operating costs at the same time,” Mr Windsor said.

The project involves installing a more energy efficient rendering plant and directing all organic waste through a digester to produce clean energy from bioigas, according to Mr Windsor.

“Harnessing waste to generate clean energy will allow Binderee Beef to replace a coal-fired boiler and cut electricity consumption by up to a half,” he said.

“An on-site pilot plant is already operating, proving the concept works.

“Carbon emissions will be slashed by an incredible 95 per cent.- equivalent to removing 60,000 cars from our roads over 10 years – so Binderee Beef will no longer be liable to pay the carbon price.

“The digester will also produce organic fertiliser for sale and high quality recycled water for irrigation.

“Binderee Beef will no longer have to burn up to 7.200 tonnes of coal each year or dispose of its waste in landfill and open lagoons, eliminating both smoke and odour,” Mr Windsor said.

TheCattleSite News Desk