Proposed renewable energy plant for Collie could create almost 200 jobs

Collie could soon be the new home of a proposed renewable energy plant anticipated to create almost 200 jobs in the South West region. The town has been identified as a suitable site for the joint Australian-US venture, which would use high-temperature pyrolysis technology to produce renewable diesel fuel from biomass. And it was today announced $100,000 from the Collie Futures Small Grants Program would be put towards a feasibility study for the project. “I am hopeful this feasibility study can demonstrate the project can deliver a successful business for the proponents and more jobs for Collie.” The only large-scale plant of this type is based in the United States, which has the ability to produce up to 27 million litres of renewable diesel fuel annually. But the unique technology could make its way to Australian shores, if the proposal from Australian company Frontier Impact Group and US-based REEP Development gets the go-ahead. Regional Development Minister Alannah MacTiernan said it was an exciting proposal. “Bringing sustainable technologies and investments such as this is a fantastic way to help Collie, and WA, transition lower carbon outcomes through new industries,” she said. “This project has the potential to create dozens of direct local jobs and provide economic growth for feedstock suppliers in Collie and the wider South West region.” If it gets the green light, it is expected to create 48 jobs at the plant, 30 in construction and another 120 indirectly.