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Australia – EPA recommends approval for brownfield biofuels project.
An Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) report on a proposal to repurpose an old oil refinery for biofuel production flags the selection of a brownfield site as good environmental practice.
The independent EPA has recommended environmental approval for BP’s Kwinana Renewable Fuels Project, subject to strict conditions.
EPA Chair Professor Matthew Tonts said the proposal to redevelop the proponent’s existing hydrocarbon refining and production infrastructure would facilitate the processing of vegetable oils, animal fats and other biowaste products to process up to 1600 cubic metres of biofuel feedstock per day.
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Professor Tonts said:
Using a previously disturbed footprint within an industrial area means no clearing of vegetation is required.
“The proponent’s site selection leverages the use of existing pipeline, jetty and tank infrastructure for new operations.”
Professor Tonts said a detailed environmental assessment was required to determine the extent of the proposal’s impact on climate change from greenhouse gas emissions.
While BP Refinery (Kwinana) Pty Ltd proposed a linear trajectory of emissions reductions to net zero by 2050, Professor Tonts said the EPA had recommended strict conditions to provide ongoing certainty that reductions could be achieved.
“The EPA notes the proposed emissions reduction trajectory will mitigate approximately 1,449,000 t CO2-e of Scope 1 emissions over the 20-year life of the proposal,” he said. “These reductions are considered reasonably achievable through adoption of emerging technology and the use of offsets.”
The EPA’s report to the Minister for Environment is now open for a three-week public appeal period, closing 23 January 2024. Appeals should be directed to the Office of the Appeals Convenor. The Minister for Environment will make the final decision on the proposal. EPA Report 1754 can be found on the EPA website.
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EPA recommends approval for brownfield biofuels project, January 2, 2023
