The first Territory Infrastructure Loan has been awarded to a local start-up to construct, fit out and operate a cutting-edge pyrolysis plant in Wishart.
Pyrolysis is the process of thermally degrading organic materials at elevated temperatures, and Environmental Keystones, in partnership with Pyrochar Pty Ltd, has commercialised CSIRO-developed technology to do so.
The facility, which will be the first of its kind in the Northern Territory – and the only one in Australia using CSIRO technology – will be capable of processing up to 50,000t each year of waste such as grass and shrub clippings, branches, woodchips and palm fronds.
The plant will then convert the green waste into commodities including:
- Biochar which can be used in agriculture as fertiliser, as well as in water and air filtration systems
- Bio-oil which can be used as fuels, in refineries and bunker oils for ships
- Syngas which is used in industrial processes, for synthetic natural gas and sustainable aviation gas production
Fertiliser and other high value carbon biproduct goods are on Environmental Keystones’ road map over the next three years.
The $8 million project has been made possible through a $5.59 million concessional loan from the Territory Infrastructure Loans program, funded by the Federal Government’s Northern Australia Infrastructure Facility (NAIF) and the Northern Territory Government.
This project is also supported by CSIRO and Pyrochar and will be the first of its kind in Australia, pioneering new advancements in the industry.
Northern Territory Minister for Trade, Business and Asian Relations, Robyn Cahill, said the Northern Territory Government, in partnership with NAIF, is proud to support Environmental Keystones as it develops a new solution to manage and repurpose green waste.
“We look forward to continuing to work with the team as they progress the project, which is building industry capability, and creating brand new jobs for Territorians,” she said.
The aim of the loan program is to elevate businesses looking to deliver small-scale Territory projects that expand infrastructure and improve outcomes, including for Indigenous Territorians.
It’s anticipated that Environmental Keystones will create 30 new jobs during construction of the plant, and a further 12 full time positions during operations.
Federal Minister for Northern Australia, Madeleine King, said a strong north means a strong Australia.
“With support from NAIF, the Territory Infrastructure Loans program is supporting our regions and helping to create good, well-paid jobs.
“The Federal Government will back more businesses through this program and continue to strengthen Northern Australia’s economy.”
Special Envoy for Defence, Veterans’ Affairs and Northern Australia, Luke Gosling, said the $5.59 million concessional loan underlines the Federal Government’s commitment to supporting projects that drive job creation, infrastructure growth, and sustainable practices across Northern Australia.
“The funding awarded to Environmental Keystones marks a significant step forward in sustainable development for Northern Australia, showcasing the region’s potential as a leader in green technologies.
“This pioneering pyrolysis plant in East Arm will not only improve waste management but also create secure ongoing jobs and high-value commodities, contributing to a more sustainable future for the Northern Territory.”
Pyrochar CEO, Cameron Bell, said Pyrochar is very excited to bring its technology to Environmental Keystones, transforming the Northern Territory’s green waste into valuable energy and carbon products, producing clean and renewable energy while importantly creating local, long-lasting jobs.
Environmental Keystones Managing Director, Nick Hanigan, said, “Our partnership with Pyrochar, the Northern Territory Government and NAIF funding, enables us to bring cutting-edge technology to the Territory, creating jobs and delivering a cleaner, greener future.
“We are very grateful for the opportunity and support of the Nothern Territory Government.”
