UK carbon capture specialist O.C.O Technology is investing £8mn (over A$14mn) in integrating its Accelerated Carbonation Technology (ACT) processes at the Maryvale Energy from Waste (EfW) site in the Australian state of Victoria.
The move follows hot on the heels of O.C.O’s decision to set up an Australian operation – O.C.O Technology (Pty) – to position itself as the partner of choice for the developing EfW sector across the Continent.
O.C.O Managing Director Steve Greig signed the investment agreement following the recent Waste Expo Australia, held in Melbourne. It sees O.C.O become a Collaboration Partner with the Maryvale Energy from Waste consortium building the Maryvale Energy from Waste (EfW) facility in Victoria, the first of its kind in the state.
The project will see O.C.O own, build and manage a purpose-built ACT facility adjacent to the Maryvale EfW operation. By treating the site’s Flue Gas Treatment residues (FGTr) with carbon dioxide, the ACT process permanently captures the carbon dioxide and creates Manufactured Limestone (M-LS), widely recognised as the world’s first carbon-negative aggregate. Now highly sought after as a sustainable building product, it is expected to be sold into the Victorian construction sector.
Using the innovative technology will enable the Maryvale EfW to target 99 per cent landfill diversion and highlight the principles of the circular economy, making both facilities showcase Australian recycling and clean energy projects.
Steve Greig said: “This will be a real milestone for us, and we are both proud and excited to be connected with the Maryvale project.
“Because the ACT process permanently captures more carbon dioxide than is used in the manufacture of our aggregates, the M-LS is truly carbon negative. This will ensure that the new facility fully fits into the circular economy, provides diversion from landfill and helps to de-carbonise Victoria’s construction industry.”
On a wider note, Mr Greig added: “We see this partnership as a real starting point for us to be able to roll out our technology across the expanding Australian EfW market. There is now increased recognition around the opportunities to use EfWs to generate green electricity and divert waste from landfill.
“When you add in O.C.O’s ability to permanently capture carbon dioxide and the fact we are producing sustainable building materials, the offering makes real sense, and that’s why our ambition is to be seen as the partner of choice for Australia’s EfW sector.”
In the last ten years in the UK, O.C.O has diverted over 750,000 tonnes of waste from landfill and provided well over two million tonnes of aggregate into the masonry and construction market, permanently capturing over 100,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.
Speaking on behalf of the consortium, Mr David Jettner, General Manager Opal Corporate Development & Strategic Projects, said that the Maryvale EfW project had achieved another notable first in Victoria.
“EfW facilities are a proven and reliable solution that derive valuable energy from non-recyclable residual waste”, said Mr Jettner. “Consistent with our best practice approach, the processing and recycling of ash residues to achieve 99 per cent landfill diversion is now within reach for Victoria. We are delighted to bring O.C.O Technology’s innovative world-class solution to Victoria.”
Construction on the new Maryvale EfW facility is expected to begin in 2023, with the site operational by 2026.
