Plans launched for Australia’s first renewable diesel, storage complex

Sherdar Australia Bio Refinery Pty. Ltd., a specialty company of privately held TransAsia Minerals Ltd., plans to develop Australia’s first renewable diesel processing and storage plant.

Once in operation, the planned renewable fuels refinery will be equipped to produce 500,000 tonnes/year of renewable diesel and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) using Royal Dutch Shell PLC’s proprietary hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) process technology, Sherdar said on Dec. 6.

While an exact location will be forthcoming, the proposed $600-million project will be sited on more than 20 hectares located close to adequate port infrastructure to enable exports to US and European destinations to help meet rising demand for renewable fuels in those regions, according to the operator.

Feedstock for the refinery will include a wide range of animal fat, seed oil, and waste greases.

While Sherdar confirmed final stages of engineering, governmental discussions, and receiving relevant approvals for the project are currently under way, the operator did not reveal an anticipated timeline for the project’s completion.