A application has been made for a development licence for a waste to energy facility in Wollert.
The Environmental Protection Authority Victoria is assessing the application from Cleanaway Operations.
The facility is to be named the Melbourne Energy and Resource Centre (MERC) and is proposed for 510 Summerhill Drive.
It would result in up to 380,000 tonnes of waste material that would otherwise have gone to landfill used in the process.
The waste to energy process is forecast to generate approximately 46.3 megawatt gross of electricity, 4.7 megawatt of which would be used to power the facility itself. The remainder of 41.6 megawatt will be exported to the grid as base load electricity.
Waste ash produced from the process will be treated at the facility to be used as an alternative construction product. Metals will be recovered from waste ash for recycling and sale.
If necessary approvals are given, Cleanaway also intends that the remaining waste is used as an alternative construction product.
As part of the EPA’s application it will assess the impacts to human health, air and odour emissions, noise emissions, greenhouse gas emissions, climate change and waste management.
Public submissions are open until March 20. Two information sessions will be held, one in person and one online.
Details: www.engage.vic.gov.au
