The QUT Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant (MRBPP) that converts biomass from a sugar mill into bioproducts will be expanded thanks to funding support from the Queensland Government.
Based on the site of an operating sugar mill, the Pilot Plant is a research and development facility that converts biomass into biofuels, green chemicals and other bioproducts.
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development Steven Miles said the Pilot Plant expansion will create regional jobs and build on Queensland’s growing biofutures industry.
“Queensland is in a position to become an Asia-Pacific hub in biomanufacturing and bio-refining,” Dr Miles said.
“Which is why we are investing in the Mackay Pilot Plant expansion through the Palaszczuk Government’s $350 million Industry Partnership Program.
“The expansion of the common user research and development facility will enhance the development of regional biomanufacturing industries, attract further investment and create local jobs.”
QUT’s Deputy Dean of the Faculty of Engineering and Queensland’s Biofutures Industry Envoy, Professor Ian O’Hara said that the funding will be used to enhance the capability of the facility to be able to test a wider range of new and emerging technologies at scale.
“This expansion is critical to support companies seeking to supply new products for the future foods and other biomanufacturing industries, enabling them to rapidly demonstrate their technologies and products for market testing,” Professor O’Hara said.
“As a result, the facility will support the growth of a range of Australian companies and attract new investors into the Mackay region, creating new jobs and supporting a profitable future for the Australian Sugar industry.”
Media contact:
Rod Chester, QUT Media, 07 3138 9449, rod.chester@qut.edu.au
After hours: 0407 585 901, media@qut.edu.au
