Circular economy vision for Parkes one step closer
The vision for the Parkes Special Activation Precinct is one step closer with the NSW Government shortlisting three consortia to deliver an energy from waste facility as part of an integrated circular economy within the precinct.
The proposed facility was identified during the precinct’s master planning as a key part of attracting ongoing investment into the precinct through the supply of reliable energy to support heavy energy users, create jobs and achieve the precinct’s sustainability goals.
The three consortia shortlisted to submit binding proposals in the Parkes precinct are:
- New Energy Corporation Pty Ltd
- Veolia Recycling & Recovery Pty Ltd, I-Environment Investments Pacific Pty Ltd
- Tribe Infrastructure Australia Pty Ltd, Masdar Tribe Australia Pty Ltd, Acciona Concesiones S.L., John Beever (AUST.) Pty Limited and Acciona Construction Australia Pty Ltd
The proposed energy from waste facility would be part of the dedicated resource recovery and recycling sub-precinct.
In NSW, proposed energy from waste facilities are required to comply with strict new emissions standards set out in the NSW Environment Protection Agency (EPA) Energy from Waste Policy Statement, that meet and exceed world’s best practice.
The successful consortium will include businesses which help to manage and reuse waste, reducing landfill via recycling and re-manufacturing. Materials that cannot be recycled will be diverted to the energy from waste facility and the reliable electricity generated will be used to power the new manufacturing facilities planned for the precinct.
The NSW Government expects to award the tender in late-2022 at which time the successful proponent will proceed to apply for the relevant planning and environmental approvals required. The government will continue to work closely with Parkes Shire Council, stakeholders, and the community throughout this process.
Energy from waste has been safely and effectively used around the world for the past 50 years, with over 2,000 plants operating worldwide including over 1,000 in Japan, over 400 across Europe and at least 80 in the United States.
There are three large-scale energy from waste facilities underway in Western Australia and a further three approved in Victoria.