Stortec wins food waste-to-energy digesters order in Australia – gasworld

Stortec Engineering Advances Sustainable Waste-to-Energy Solutions in Australia

Project Overview

Specialist contractor Stortec Engineering has secured a contract to design and construct digesters and a hydrolysis tank for a new food waste-to-energy facility in Australia. This initiative aligns with multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure), and SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

Innovative and Sustainable Technology

• Stortec’s Ultrastore stainless steel tanks, comprising 85% recycled material, contribute to SDG 12 by promoting sustainable material use and extending asset life.
• The project includes 4,000 cubic metre digesters equipped with Landia’s externally mounted GasMix mixing system, previously implemented at an anaerobic digestion site near Perth, Western Australia.
• The hydrolysis tank will utilize the Landia JetMix system with specially configured jetting nozzles, designed to process food waste with dissolved solids (DS) of 16% and a pH range of 5-8, supporting efficient waste conversion.

Industry Impact and Broader Applications

Matt Dickinson, Managing Director of Stortec, emphasized the growing global demand for sustainable solutions. Stortec operates as a design and manufacturing partner, serving not only the biogas industry but also the water, wastewater, and agricultural sectors. Their long-lasting solutions contribute to SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) and SDG 13 (Climate Action) by improving resource management and reducing environmental impact.

Challenges and Community Engagement

1. Despite its potential, waste-to-energy technology faces controversy in Australia, with concerns about emissions and long-term health risks raised by local communities and environmental groups.
2. Questions remain regarding the impact on recycling rates, highlighting the need for responsible implementation.
3. A joint paper from The University of Sydney notes that increasing landfill levies, bans on waste exports, and ambitious circular economy strategies at federal and state levels are making waste-to-energy a pragmatic option.
4. Stringent regulation and community consultation are identified as essential for project success, aligning with SDG 11 (Sustainable Cities and Communities).

Environmental and Social Benefits

• Modern waste-to-energy technologies can generate electricity and heat for homes with minimal emissions, supporting SDG 7 (Affordable and Clean Energy) and SDG 13 (Climate Action).
• These technologies extend benefits to local communities by providing sustainable energy solutions and improved waste management.
• Waste-to-energy projects complement Australia’s renewable energy targets and promote a circular economy, advancing SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production).

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • The article discusses the development of a food waste-to-energy facility, which contributes to clean energy generation.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Waste management and energy generation technologies contribute to making cities more sustainable.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • The focus on waste-to-energy technology and circular economy strategies aligns with sustainable consumption and production patterns.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Reducing emissions through modern waste-to-energy technologies supports climate action goals.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • The design and manufacturing of innovative waste-to-energy infrastructure is highlighted.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 7: Affordable and Clean Energy
   • Target 7.2: Increase substantially the share of renewable energy in the global energy mix.
2. SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities
   • Target 11.6: Reduce the adverse per capita environmental impact of cities, including by paying special attention to air quality and waste management.
3. SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production
   • Target 12.5: Substantially reduce waste generation through prevention, reduction, recycling, and reuse.
   • Target 12.4: Achieve environmentally sound management of chemicals and all wastes throughout their life cycle.
4. SDG 13: Climate Action
   • Target 13.2: Integrate climate change measures into national policies, strategies, and planning.
5. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. SDG 7 Indicators
   • Indicator 7.2.1: Renewable energy share in the total final energy consumption – implied through the use of food waste-to-energy technology.
   • Indicator 7.1.2: Proportion of population with primary reliance on clean fuels and technology – implied by the adoption of biogas energy.
2. SDG 11 Indicators
   • Indicator 11.6.1: Proportion of municipal solid waste collected and managed in controlled facilities – implied by the waste-to-energy facility managing food waste.
3. SDG 12 Indicators
   • Indicator 12.5.1: National recycling rate, tons of material recycled – implied by the circular economy strategies and waste reduction efforts.
   • Indicator 12.4.2: Hazardous waste generated per capita and proportion treated, by type of treatment – implied by the management of waste through environmentally sound technologies.
4. SDG 13 Indicators
   • Indicator 13.2.2: Total greenhouse gas emissions per year – implied by the mention of minimal emissions from modern waste-to-energy technology.
5. SDG 9 Indicators
   • Indicator 9.4.1: CO2 emission per unit of value added – implied by the use of sustainable and efficient industrial technologies.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: gasworld.com