Kwinana energised about Australian-first waste facility

Kwinana energised about Australian-first waste facility
5 June 2024

The Kwinana Energy Recovery facility, located in the City of Kwinana, will be the first energy recovery facility of its kind in Australia to commence waste processing from July 2024.

The City of Kwinana’s non-recyclable waste will be among the first to be supplied to the facility which will generate enough electricity to power 55,000 homes per year (38MW) and will divert up to 460,000 tonnes of waste from landfill per year.

Mayor Peter Feasey said the facility marked a significant advancement in waste management, aligning with the City’s Strategic Community Plan and its Sustainability Framework.

“This sustainable solution to waste disposal, is set to reduce carbon emissions equivalent to taking 85,000 cars off Perth’s roads. This initiative marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and resilient future and showcases the City’s dedication to innovative community solutions,” he said.

“Residents can expect to continue to receive consistent and reliable waste management services. The transition to the Kwinana Energy Recovery facility will not disrupt current waste collection practices but will enhance the City’s waste management by providing a more sustainable and efficient system.

“In combination with the City’s new 3-bin Garden Organics waste system to be rolled out in mid-2025, we can boost material recovery from 19 to 49 per cent,” he said.

The costs of the new Kwinana Energy Recovery facility are similar to traditional landfill methods, which ensures it is a cost-effective option for local governments.

In addition to energy production, metals will be removed from remnant ash and recycled, and the majority of ash material reused to produce construction materials such as road base and civil blocks.

The Australian-first facility is situated in the Kwinana Industrial Area (KIA), enhancing the KIA’s global reputation as an innovation and sustainability hub.

To find out more about the Kwinana Energy Recovery facility visit > www.kwinana.wa.gov.au/wastetoenergy

Background

Innovative and Safe Technology:

  • The Kwinana Energy Recovery facility integrates cutting-edge, globally utilised technology to efficiently process waste. This approach is proven to be safe, reliable, and environmentally responsible, mirroring successful models used in Europe, the USA, and Asia.
  • Energy Recovery facilities use mature technology that is used around the world including 53 facilities in the UK, 75 in the US, 1,063 in Japan and 522 in Europe.
  • Energy Recovery facilities are renowned for being very safe and clean. Facilities are commonly located within urban areas.
  • The most famous energy recovery facility in Copenhagen, Denmark, has integrated ski slopes, walking trails, lookouts, exercise stations and a rock-climbing wall. While the Kwinana plant won’t have these elements included it will feature an education centre and viewing platform.

Environmental Benefits and Sustainability:

  • The Kwinana Energy Recovery facility represents a major stride in sustainable waste management. The overall aim is to recover some of the energy that was used in the production of waste, and supply that back into the local grid network.
  • By converting waste into energy, it significantly reduce landfill dependency and greenhouse gas emissions, equivalent to taking nearly 85,000 cars off the roads. This aligns with the City’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable community development.
  • Energy Recovery facilities adhere to some of the strictest emissions standards in the world. The Kwinana Energy Recovery facility is designed to operate at 75% below these strict emissions standards, and will see a significant reduction in CO2 compared to landfill, equivalent to removing 85,000 cars from the roads.
  • The small amount of emissions that will be visible from the Kwinana Energy Recovery facility stack is 99.9% water vapor, nitrogen, oxygen and carbon dioxide.

360 Product Lifecycle:

  • This bottom ash is turned into Incinerator Bottom Ash Aggregate (IBAA) derived civil products, such as structural blocks and road base, by Kwinana Energy Recovery's business partnerships with Blue Phoenix Australia (product processing) and WA Limestone (market distribution/sales).
  • The City is exploring opportunities to incorporate IBAA products into its civil projects/maintenance in the future, to contribute to a number of circular economy and sustainability outcomes by turning the community’s waste into community infrastructure.

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