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Ethtec Cellulosic Ethanol Pilot Plant

The Australian Renewable Energy Agency is partnering with Ethanol Technologies to fund the Ethtec Cellulosic Ethanol Pilot Plant as part of its Advancing Renewables Program. The plant has also partnered with Apace Research and the University of Newcastle to deliver the project.  

The project to address transport emissions reduction by funding and developing biofuels from sustainable sources including non-food biomasses such as sugar cane bagasse, crop stubbles and forest material. The project is currently in progress, with the first two phases of the Pilot Program having been successfully completed as of 2024.  

Powerlines running across bushland

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Key Facts

  • Location: Muswellbrook 
     
  • Capacity: 270,000 litres of sustainable bio-fuel per annum, with future facilities and programs able to use the Pilot Program to scale operations and benefit from learnings.  
     
  • Job Creation: The Pilot Program will support local workers through research opportunities and partnerships, job creation following phases 3 and 4 of the project, and future facility development as a result of the pilot 
     
  • Environmental Impact: Ethanol based fuels support reduced emissions in the transport sector  
     
  • Website: Ethtec pilot plant website

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