Australia first Waste to Energy facility at Kwinana to turn rubbish into electricity

Tonnes of rubbish will be converted to electricity at an Australia-first facility that will begin operations at Kwinana’s industrial area next week.

The waste-to-energy facility will process non-recyclables and generate enough electricity to power 55,000 homes per year (38MW) and divert about 460,000 tonnes of waste from landfills a year.

Kwinana mayor Peter Feasey said the facility marked a significant advancement in waste management.

“This sustainable solution to waste disposal is set to reduce carbon emissions equivalent to taking 85,000 cars off Perth’s roads. This initiative marks a significant step towards a more sustainable and resilient future and showcases the city’s dedication to innovative community solutions,” he said.

“Residents can expect to continue to receive consistent and reliable waste management services. The transition to the Waste to Energy facility will not disrupt current waste collection practices but will enhance the city’s waste management by providing a more sustainable and efficient system.

“In combination with the city’s new 3-bin Garden Organics waste system to be rolled out in mid-2025, we can boost material recovery from 19 to 49 per cent.”

But while there is optimism for the future the path to this point has been anything but plain sailing.

The Kwinana Waste to Energy Project was originally meant to be operational by 2021 but has been riddled with issues, including COVID-19 delays, industry skills and materials shortages and even a Supreme Court case where a major partner attempted to leave the project.

One major thorn in the project’s side was multinational infrastructure conglomerate Acciona attempting to quit the project, taking the claim all the way to the Supreme Court of WA.

At the time multinational infrastructure conglomerate Acciona argued it had met the definition of a force majeure event — a “get-out” clause — due to COVID-19 and the subsequent travel restrictions in WA.

A force majeure event would have safeguarded Acciona from any liability, but the court dismissed the proceedings.

Then last year, Acciona went the other way and bought out the project’s other owners - Macquarie Capital and Dutch Infrastructure Fund.

The plant will service deal with the rubbish of several councils, including the City of Kwinana and local governments associated with Rivers Regional Council.

The waste-to-energy facility incurs similar costs to traditional landfill methods, making it a cost-effective option for local governments.

In addition to energy production, metals will be removed from remnant ash and recycled.

Most of the ash will be reused to produce construction materials including road base and civil blocks.

The facility will begin operations on Monday, June 17.

To find out more above the Kwinana Waste to Energy facility visit kwinana.wa.gov.au/wastetoenergy.