One of Australia’s largest sawmills to install biomass system

OneFortyOne has announced an investment c.$30 million (€18.5 million) in a renewable biomass power generation project at its Jubilee Sawmill in Mount Gambier - one of the largest sawmills in Australia.
The project, which includes the installation of a new boiler and steam turbine, represents a total investment of approximately $90 million (€55.7 million).
The new turbine will generate more than enough electricity to power the entire Jubilee Sawmill site, according to OneFortyOne.
The excess renewable electricity can be returned to the grid or used to enable future electrification of forklifts, trucks and other machinery.
It is expected to be completed by 2026 and will provide several benefits, including helping OneFortyOne achieve reductions of over 70% in emissions, over 50% in its combined scope 1 and 2 emissions, over 85% reduction in total scope 2 emissions and over 9,000 tCO2e emissions avoided on 2021 levels.
The total estimated annual renewable electricity generated is 43,800 mWh.
Wendy Norris, CEO said: “The Jubilee Sawmill has been part of OneFortyOne since 2018 and since that time we have proudly invested in the team and the site every year. The need to replace our current boiler, which is reaching its end of life, has presented us with a unique opportunity to rethink how we utilise steam and consume electricity at our site.
This investment not only supports our decarbonisation goals but also positions us for future opportunities in renewable energy.
By installing a steam turbine power generation system, we will be able to produce electricity from biomass, significantly repurposing wood fibre, preparing for our future energy needs.”
Peter Malinauskas MP, Premier of South Australia, commented: “This investment into one of South Australia’s most significant industries is exciting for our State. This is a welcome announcement, which means longevity of technology, reduced carbon emissions and renewable energy going back into the grid.”