Wildfire Energy has secured $18.56 million under Queensland’s Sovereign Industry Development Fund to support the construction of a waste-to-energy biogas project in Brisbane.

Construction of Wildfire Energy’s project at the former Bulwer Island refinery site is expected to get underway this year, with operations set to begin in early 2028.

The project will apply the company’s Queensland-developed MIHG (Moving Injection Horizontal Gasification)technology.

Phase 1 will produce bio-syngas, which will be used to produce up to 1.4 megawatts of electricity annually, and future phases will potentially produce bio-methanol and sustainable aviation fuel.

Image at top of page: Part of Wildfire Energy’s pilot plant for the MIHG technology.

“This investment will help grow Queensland’s biofuels capability, strengthen our sovereign fuel supply chains and reduce reliance on imported fuels by supporting home-grown technology and manufacturing,” Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said.

“The Bulwer Island Biofuels Hub will turn waste into a valuable fuel source while strengthening Queensland’s energy resilience.”

Wildfire Energy chief executive officer and co-founder Greg Perkins said the SIDF investment would accelerate delivery and help strengthen Queensland’s position as a leader in biofuels innovation and biofuels development.

“This support is a major step forward for Wildfire Energy and will help us bring our Queensland-developed technology to commercial scale,” Mr Perkins said.

“The funding allows us to move from demonstrating the technology to delivering Queensland’s first waste-to-biofuels commercial reference plant, creating jobs, attracting investment and supporting the growth of Queensland’s biofuels industry.

“Bulwer Island gives us the opportunity to show how Queensland innovation can be used to turn hard-to-recycle waste into valuable products and help build new industries for the future.”