EPA backs BP’s Kwinana biorefinery

BP’s Kwinana biorefinery has been recommended for approval by the state government’s environmental watchdog, but the project will be watched closely to ensure it meets emissions reductions goals.

Earlier today, the Environmental Protection Authority gave the go ahead for the $1 billion renewable fuels project on the site of BP Australia’s mothballed refinery south of Perth.

That approval came with a caveat, however, recommending strict conditions to ensure BP’s net-zero by 2050 targets would be met.

EPA chairman Matthew Tonts said use of the brownfields site meant no vegetation clearing would be needed and existing pipes, tanks and jetties could be used.

Professor Tonts said a thorough assessment would be required to test the plant’s impact on climate change from greenhouse gas emissions.

He said the EPA noted the proposed emissions reduction trajectory would mitigate about 1.45 million tonnes of CO2-equivalent scope one emissions over the 20-year life of the proposal.

“These reductions are considered reasonably achievable through adoption of emerging technology and the use of offsets,” Professor Tonts said.

The biorefinery would be capable of turning vegetable oils, animal fats and other biowaste into up to 10,000 barrels of biofuel and sustainable aviation fuel per day.

Recommended conditions placed on greenhouse gas emissions include five-year carbon dioxide caps that the plant cannot exceed, reducing from 531,300 tonnes from today until 2030, down to zero from July 2050.

BP would also be required to identify and describe mitigation measures, consider options to reduce scope three emissions, and report annually and publicly on emissions.

The EPA recommendation is another win for BP’s Kwinana Energy Hub, which in November attracted $70 million from the federal government to progress a hydrogen plant co-located in the precinct.

BP is leading the charge of a resurgent biofuels sector in Western Australia under which major plants could be built in Esperance and Narrogin to service booming demand for renewable fuels that can replace existing products.

The EPA decision is open for a three-week appeals period until January 23.