Jacobs appointed as Swanbank Energy from Waste proposal progresses

REMONDIS Australia has signed a multi-million dollar contract with leading solutions provider Jacobs to support design and environmental aspects of its proposed $400 million Energy from Waste facility.

Selected after an extensive tender process, Jacobs will oversee key engineering, design, procurement and environmental work, including formation of the projects critical Environmental Impact Statement (EIS).

Jacobs will commence with preliminary engineering studies and design work, which will inform the EIS and enable REMONDIS to provide the public with technical specifics of the project in due course. 

REMONDIS Project Manager Sarah Collins said Jacobs was selected based on its extensive global experience.

"We need the best and most experienced minds guiding us as we move through the design and approvals process," Ms Collins said.

"Jacobs has an impressive record supporting major infrastructure delivery nationally and globally, including Energy from Waste projects.

"We're partnering with Jacobs to undertake key technical and environmental studies, enabling us to develop the project as we seek approvals.

"That will in turn enable us to inform the community about specific details as our community consultation process evolves."

Jacobs Executive Director of Operations Australia and New Zealand, Solutions and Advisory, Prasannah Kumar, said there were many environmental and economic benefits behind modern Energy from Waste facilities. 

"Beyond being safe and effective, Energy from Waste facilities are a way of life in many big cities overseas," Mr Kumar said.

"We can see the potential at Swanbank and want to play a key role in delivering a facility modelled on global best practice.

"The obvious benefits include a staggering drop in landfill operations and a cleaner way of making electricity."

The Jacobs team of more than 40 specialists will work alongside REMONDIS' locally based management team. 

The $400 million Energy from Waste proposal forms part of REMONDIS' planned $700 million Clean Energy & Resource Recovery Precinct at Swanbank, which would lift current waste management operations to global best practice by enhancing the 'circular economy' concept – doing something with almost all waste that arrives, as opposed to burying it.

"Instead of digging unsightly holes, dealing with the resulting land disturbance and environmental impacts, and tipping up to half a million tonnes of unrecyclable waste in each year, we can divert almost all of that and use it to make cleaner electricity," Ms Collins added.

"This is an ideal site for such technology, given the long-term waste supply and proximity to electricity infrastructure."

If approved, the Energy from Waste facility would create 200 construction and 70 permanent jobs.