Logan’s ongoing commitment to sustainability is demonstrated through a new initiative focused on converting household leftovers into renewable energy.
The study, run by Logan City council in partnership with the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) and the University of Queensland, will investigate the feasibility of converting food and green organic (FOGO) waste into biomethane gas (a potential energy source), biochar and prill (pelletised fertiliser).
Mayor Darren Power said the FOGO study was the “next logical step” in the city’s journey towards sustainability.
“Logan City Council is already leading the way in cost-effective, sustainable waste disposal, having pioneered the gasification of biosolids in Australia,” Cr Power said.
Logan’s biosolids gasification facility converts sewage sludge into energy and fertiliser using technology designed and delivered by council’s water business, Logan Water.
Council says Logan Water was aiming to enhance the technology to utilise FOGO as an energy source, which can then be used by councils nation-wide.
“Treatment of FOGO waste could reduce carbon emissions caused by methane emissions at council’s landfill sites and provide another important source of bioenergy,” a council statement read.
The gasification facility opened in April 2022, and has saved millions of dollars in biosolid waste disposal while reducing council’s carbon emissions.
“With our proven technology already in place, the repurposing of FOGO waste is the next logical step,” Cr Power said.
“We’re excited to be collaborating with ARENA and UQ on this study to create a greener future.
“We are not afraid to dream big when it comes to providing a cleaner, green future for everyone.”
The study is jointly funded by council and ARENA, which also co-funded the gasification facility – chipping in $6.2 million.
Council’s green efforts have been recognised at a national level more than once this year.
In September, Logan City council was named Australia’s “Climate Champion” at the 2023 Cities Power Partnership Climate Awards for reducing its emissions by 80,000 tonnes per year – the equivalent of taking 17,802 petrol vehicles off the road for one year.
In May, the gasification facility earned council a major national award at the southern hemisphere’s largest water event, and in February it became the second council in Queensland (and 15th in the country) to receive a carbon-neutral certificate.
Council has been recognised for installing solar PV systems on libraries aquatic and sports centres, introducing a kerbside green waste recycling bin collection service and for generating electricity from gas captured at the Browns Plains Waste and Recycling Facility.
Results from Logan City Council’s FOGO feasibility study will be available in 2024.
