Carnarvon Energy, Frontier Impact Group structure renewable diesel JV as FutureEnergy Australia

Carnarvon Energy Ltd. and Frontier Impact Group announced March 10 the official structuring of their 50/50 renewable diesel joint-venture business as FutureEnergy Australia.

Last July, the company announced it would invest $2.6 million in seed capital towards an initial renewable diesel project scaled at nearly 5 million gallons per year. Since then, the joint venture has been advancing a range of key negotiations, contracts and undertaking extensive on-the-ground stakeholder consultation to progress the first biorefinery project to a final investment decision in 2022.

Late last year, Technip Energies was appointed to carry out front-end engineering and design (FEED) for the first biorefinery project to convert woody biomass and ag waste into renewable diesel using high-temperature pyrolysis.

The location of the first project is the Shire of Narrogin, approximately 125 miles southeast of Perth. A 12-month exclusive option to purchase a 65-hectare site outside of Narrogin has recently been secured. FutureEnergy Australia is working on technical due diligence and permitting. The initial wood-to-diesel biorefinery is expected to require less than 10 percent of the potential land acquisition. The land size provides the option to additional production modules and possibly sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and graphene refining capability.

“We’re pleased to formally launch our renewable diesel business as FutureEnergy Australia, a name that reflects Carnarvon’s investment in the energy transition,” said Adrian Cook, Carnarvon managing director and CEO. “Our project has the potential to transform the approach to fuel production and use for individuals, businesses and organizations looking to reduce their carbon footprint. The benefits are not exclusive to fuel users, with additional byproducts produced in the biorefining process such as biochar and wood vinegar providing significant soil improvement opportunities to the agricultural sector. We’re excited to be working with our joint-venture partner, Frontier Impact Group, in the development of our first biorefinery that will produce important renewable fuel, create a circular economy in Western Australia’s Wheatbelt, foster regional employment opportunities and deliver a significant reduction in carbon emissions.”