Delorean and Opal move biogas project at Maryvale Mill into development
Australian bioenergy company Delorean Corporation and paper and packaging group Opal have completed the concept phase for a proposed anaerobic digestion facility at Opal's Maryvale Mill in Victoria, advancing to the development phase. The plant, estimated to cost around USD 24.6m (AUD 35m), would produce biogas to replace natural gas fuelling the mill's lime kiln, with a final investment decision still to come.
Why this mattersA biogas-fuelled lime kiln would offer a rare decarbonisation route for a hard-to-electrify pulping process, a template other paper mills could follow.
- Concept stage completed for anaerobic digestion facility at Opal's Maryvale Mill, Victoria
- Estimated construction and design investment of USD 24.6m (AUD 35m), subject to revision
- Biogas would replace natural gas fuelling the mill's rotary lime kiln used in chemical pulping
- Delorean to conduct further feasibility assessment ahead of a final investment decision
- Under an existing MOU, the companies may form an equally owned joint venture if the project proceeds to construction
- Delorean holds a right of first refusal over 50 per cent of the project equity