Australia’s first biomethane-to-gas-network injection plant has been certified by GreenPower — a government-managed renewable energy certification program — marking a significant milestone for Australia’s emerging renewable gas sector.
The GreenPower Renewable Gas Certification for the Malabar Biomethane Injection Plant (MBIP) means renewable gas certificates will be issued, certifying that gas produced at the plant is carbon neutral.
Jemena Managing Director David Gillespie emphasised the significance of using renewable gases like hydrogen and biomethane to complement natural gas, stating: “This is an exciting next step for Australia’s renewable gas industry and is the first time biomethane has been formally certified as meeting the environmental and social standards set by GreenPower.”
The partnership between Sydney Water and Jemena, which received funding from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA), has already led to an agreement between Jemena and Origin Energy for biomethane supply, potentially totalling up to 110 TJ per year from the MBIP.
Sydney Water CEO Roch Cheroux highlighted the project’s contribution to the circular economy, stating: “By partnering with Jemena, we have been able to take wastewater and convert it into gas, which has not only bolstered energy supplies but successfully demonstrated we have the capability to deliver an internationally proven technology right here in Sydney.”
GreenPower Steering Group Chair Tim Stock emphasised the environmental benefits of GreenPower-certified renewable gas, such as the biomethane produced at Jemena’s Malabar project, which significantly lowers emissions compared to fossil natural gas.
Stock stated: “These renewable energies are sources of cleaner, sustainable and increasingly competitive energy which can be used by industries in the same way as fossil natural gas but with substantially lower carbon emissions.”
Biomethane, produced by upgrading biogas from waste breakdown, emits over 90 per cent less than fossil natural gas and is compatible with current gas appliances and infrastructure.
Jemena’s collaboration with renewable gas producer Optimal Renewable Gas aims to identify sites in regional New South Wales to produce up to 1.5 petajoules of biomethane, furthering Australia’s renewable energy goals.
