BY MADELAINE MCNEILL
Council has spent three years working with the University of Newcastle, Apace Research Limited (Apace), Ethanol Technologies Limited (Ethtec) and the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) to make the Hunter Pilot Biorefinery (HPB) a reality, and the state government's contribution means construction can finally get underway.
"It was the last piece of the puzzle in terms of funding for this particular pilot refinery," said Muswellbrook Shire Mayor Martin Rush.
"It's just a great outcome for all concerned."
The new facility is set to revolutionise the biofuel industry by manufacturing ethanol from agricultural waste, which will decouple the fuel industry from the food industry.
Previously, biorefineries created fuel from agricultural products that could otherwise be used.
Up to twenty researchers and technicians are expected to be employed at the biorefinery, and as a shared access pilot plant, anyone innovating in biorenewables research will able to use the site.
Martin Rush says the technology used at the plant is "critically important" in making the bio-economy economically viable.
The $30 million facility will be built on Thomas Mitchell Drive.
