Malabar Biomethane Injection Project
- $5.9m Funded by ARENA
- $12.86m Total project cost
Summary
The Malabar Biomethane Injection Project will demonstrate the process of upgrading biogas produced from the anaerobic digestion process at Sydney Water’s Malabar wastewater treatment plant to biomethane for injection into the gas distribution network.
Need
The Malabar Biomethane Injection Project acknowledges that currently, biogas produced in facilities such as landfills and wastewater treatment plants are flared for carbon credits, or used to generate electricity for local use. As solar and wind reduce in cost, exporting biogas is becoming less competitive. However, biogas has potential to be a dispatchable and versatile resource that can balance the grid, but it is not yet easily available or its value recognised.
Action
The project involves the installation of gas cleaning and upgrading equipment that will be located at Sydney Water’s Malabar wastewater treatment plant. This infrastructure will upgrade biogas to biomethane and will be connected to Jemena’s natural gas network.
Learn more
Video: Malabar Biomethane Injection Project
Households and businesses in Sydney’s eastern suburbs will soon be cooking with a greener blend of gas thanks to the Malabar Biomethane Injection Project that Jemena is building at Sydney Water’s wastewater treatment plant.
Report: Malabar Biomethane Injection Project Lessons Learnt 2
This report shares lessons related to the understanding of biogas projects, standards compliance and managing specifications development of upgrader specification and community consultation.
Media Release: Australian First Biomethane Trial for NSW Gas Network
ARENA announced funding to Jemena to trial injecting biomethane into the natural gas network in New South Wales.
Report: Malabar Biomethane Project Proof of Concept Life Cycle Assessment
This report compares the expected life cycle emissions associated with the injection of biomethane into the gas distribution network compared with those generated from the supply of fossil fuel based natural gas.
Diagram: Circular Economy of Renewable Gas
Report: Malabar Biomethane Injection Project Lessons Learnt 1
This report shares lessons related to the understanding of biogas projects, standards compliance and managing specifications development of upgrader specification and community consultation.
Outcome
The project aims to:
- demonstrate the technical viability and pathway to commerciality of producing and injecting biomethane into the natural gas network
- develop a certification pathway to support a renewable gas market
- increase the uptake of biomethane technology in the Australian waste industry.
Additional impact
Bioenergy has the potential to unlock regional jobs, support a circular economy, and decarbonise the electricity network, industrial heat and heavy transport industries.
Read more
ARENAWIRE Blogs
From poo to you: Biomethane plant opens
The Malabar Biomethane Injection Plant is turning what Sydney-siders flush away into an energy source that can be used in the home.
Sydney Water treatment plant to trial new gas certification scheme
Jemena sees the certification scheme as a first step towards a renewable gas target.
Greener gas from Malabar wastewater plant
Gas captured from wastewater treatment processes will help to decarbonise the New South Wales gas grid.
