Opal is powering ahead to uncover innovative, alternative renewable energy to reduce its use of natural gas and reduce its greenhouse gas emissions.

As part of the company’s net zero strategy, it is exploring different technologies to identify viable, sustainable alternative energy sources to replace natural gas, which is currently used at the Maryvale Paper Mill in Gippsland.

In collaboration with Delorean Corporation ASX:DEL, which is a leading Australian
bioenergy company, Opal has announced that the companies will undertake a study to assess the feasibility to take organic waste, which is a by-product of the paper making process, and convert it into renewable bio-gas.

The feasibility study will assess the viability of developing a large scale anaerobic digestion facility at the Maryvale Mill, that would produce renewable bio-gas that could replace some or all of the natural gas used by the rotary lime kiln at the Mill.

If the outcome is successful, then a staged development process to design and build an anaerobic digestion facility at the Maryvale site could progress. This technology would seek to decarbonise the Maryvale Mill and would complement a separate consortium lead project to build Victoria’s first Energy from Waste facility.

Joseph Oliver, Managing Director of Delorean, commented: “This partnership with Opal represents another major step in deploying our anerobic digestion expertise in Australia at scale with a blue-chip industrial partner. Opal’s waste by-product volumes and energy demands create a compelling opportunity for renewable energy supply, while the exclusivity and joint venture structure position Delorean to capture significant long-term value in line with our build-own-operate growth strategy.”

David Jettner, General Manager Environment and Sustainability at Opal said Opal’s Net Zero strategy is focussed on replacing its natural gas with renewable gas alternatives.

“We are very excited to be working with Delorean Corporation that has a proven track record of delivering biomethane and biogas solutions from anaerobic digestion across Australia and New Zealand.

“Sustainability guides what we do, and minimising waste is a key priority for Opal. In line with the principles of the circular economy, we are committed to finding ways to recover waste materials and find alternative value adding uses for them,” said David Jettner.

About Opal:
Opal is one of Australia and New Zealand’s largest recycling, paper and packaging
businesses. It manufactures innovative cardboard packaging and paper solutions and is committed to a circular economy approach.

About Delorean Corporation Limited:
Delorean Corporation is a leading Australian bioenergy company listed on the Australian stock exchange ASX:DEL. Delorean specialises in the design, build, ownership and management of bioenergy infrastructure. In addition to bioenergy power generation, Delorean also operates in the energy retail market. Delorean Corporation is a vertically integrated company positioned in two high growth industries; renewable energy and waste management.

Media enquiries:
Riley Shannon – Consultant
riley.shannon@omc.com T: 0428 129 931

Sarah Harvie – Head of Corporate Affairs & Media
sarah.harvie@opalanz.com T: 0490 441 05