Biogas farming in the Darling Downs

Southern Queensland farming region the Darling Downs is emerging as Australia’s first biogas farming hub, with Quantum Power, a provider of anaerobic digestion systems, undertaking its fourth multimillion-dollar biogas project in the region.

Construction on the project is due to commence in September. The company’s first project, now completed, is considering undertaking a second-stage expansion, while the other two are at commissioning phase.

According to Quantum Power CEO Richard Brimblecombe, the Darling Downs will continue to be at the forefront of Australia’s sustainable farming initiatives. He stated, “We are in discussions regarding numerous other projects in the region and I believe, in the long term, the Darling Downs could support in excess of 20 separate biogas projects.”

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) recently formed a strategic alliance with Quantum Power to catalyse up to $40 million of new biogas energy infrastructure. Brimblecombe explained that the CEFC support, coupled with Quantum’s build-own-operate model providing 100% financing, increases the viability for businesses to recycle their organic waste, delivering multiple economic and environmental benefits.

“Each project provides new industry and employment opportunities in regional areas, and provides Australian agriculture with a sustainable competitive advantage linked to low-cost, renewable energy generation,” he said.

Supported by the government’s Carbon Farming Initiative and, in the future, the Emissions Reduction Fund, agricultural businesses looking to develop long-term sustainable energy models for their businesses will receive economic incentives.

“Facilitating businesses to generate biogas production without assuming financial risk will fast-track this essential economic and environmental development in Australia,” Brimblecombe said.