Harnessing the Power of Biomass
Our new Biomass Boiler Revolutionises Sustainability in the Australian Meat Industry.
At Kilcoy Global Foods, we’re committed to leading the charge in sustainable practices within the Australian food industry. We’re thrilled to announce a major step forward in our environmental efforts with the recent installation of a state-of-the-art biomass boiler.
This advanced technology is set to transform our operations, reduce our reliance on fossil fuels, and enhance our environmental responsibility.
What is a Biomass Boiler?
Our new biomass boiler replaces an old coal-fired boiler and is a renewable energy system that generates heat by burning organic materials (biofuel), such as plant waste and animal by-products. The switch from coal to biofuel will help reduce emissions by more than 14,000 tonnes of CO2 each year at our Kilcoy facility, contributing to a greener environment. The project is expected to run for 7 years, with a total emission reduction of approximately 100,000 tonnes of CO2.
Kilcoy Global Foods Australian President Jiah Falcke said “our goal for this project is simple – move away from fossil fuels and adopt a cleaner, greener option”.
How Does a Biomass Boiler Work?
Our new biomass boiler works by feeding biomass fuel into a combustion chamber, where it is burned to produce heat. This heat is then used to create steam or hot water, which powers several processes in our Kilcoy facility. The system is equipped with advanced technology to ensure efficient combustion and minimal emissions, supporting our goal of reducing our carbon footprint.
Benefits for Kilcoy Global Foods and the broader Australian Meat Industry
1. Reduced Carbon Footprint
One of the primary advantages of our new biomass boiler is its significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. By shifting from fossil fuels to biomass energy, we are lowering our carbon footprint and contributing to a more sustainable environment. This aligns with our commitment to minimising our environmental footprint.
2. Ongoing Cost Efficiencies
While the initial investment in a biomass boiler may be higher, the long-term cost benefits are substantial. Biomass fuel is often more affordable than coal, leading to lower operational costs. Additionally, the efficiency of our new boiler ensures that we get a greater energy output per unit of fuel, enhancing overall cost-effectiveness.
3. Industry Leadership
The adoption of a biomass boiler positions Kilcoy Global Foods as a leader in sustainable practices within the Australian meat industry. This forward-thinking approach highlights our commitment to innovation and responsible environmental stewardship, setting a positive example for others in the industry.
“In many ways, Kilcoy Global Foods is paving the way for the Australian meat industry when it comes to sustainable practices, we’re pushing boundaries to minimise our environmental footprint” said Falcke.
Australia’s Emission Reduction Fund
Our Biomass Boiler project is part of Kilcoy Global Foods’ participation in the Australia Government’s Emission Reduction Fund (ERF). The ERF is a voluntary scheme that incentivises organisations to adopt new practices and technologies to reduce their emissions. Special thanks to our partners at the Australian Meat Processing Corporation for their key role in bringing this project to life.
Under the scheme, organisations who adopt approved ERF methods can earn Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs). These units can be sold, providing a valuable revenue stream while also demonstrating Kilcoy's commitment to sustainability.
Looking Forward
The installation of our biomass boiler marks a significant milestone in our sustainability efforts, alongside our Climate Active Carbon Neutral Organisation certification, achieved in late 2023.
Stay tuned for more updates as we continue to advance our sustainability initiatives and lead by example as we move towards greener pastures.
Learn more about our sustainability commitment here.