The Queensland Government has announced an $18.56 million investment in a Brisbane-based biofuels manufacturing project, saying the funding will support the commercial deployment of locally developed waste-to-energy technology and strengthen the state’s sovereign fuel capability.
According to a Queensland Government media release, the funding will be provided to Wildfire Energy through the state’s $180.6 million Sovereign Industry Development Fund (SIDF) to support development of the Bulwer Island Biofuels Hub at the former Bulwer Island refinery site in Brisbane.
The project will support the commercial rollout of Wildfire Energy’s Queensland-developed Moving Injection Horizontal Gasification (MIHG) technology, which is designed to convert non-recyclable waste into energy products and biofuels.
The first stage will include what the government described as Australia’s first commercial waste-to-biofuels reference plant, capable of processing up to 30,000 tonnes of residual waste each year.
The Queensland Government said the project is expected to create up to 65 jobs, with construction scheduled to begin in late 2026 and operations expected to commence in early 2028.
Phase one will produce bio-syngas to generate up to 1.4 megawatts of electricity annually, which the government said is enough to power around 1,000 homes. Future stages are planned to produce bio methanol and Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF).
Deputy Premier and Minister for State Development, Infrastructure and Planning Jarrod Bleijie said the investment would support Queensland’s biofuels manufacturing capability and fuel security.
“The Crisafulli Government is backing Queensland businesses that are building sovereign capability, creating jobs and delivering long-term fuel security for Queenslanders,” Mr Bleijie said.
He said the investment would help strengthen sovereign fuel supply chains and reduce reliance on imported fuels by supporting locally developed technology and manufacturing.
“The Bulwer Island Biofuels Hub will turn waste into a valuable fuel source while strengthening Queensland’s energy resilience,” he said.
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services and Member for Clayfield Tim Nicholls said the project would reinforce Bulwer Island’s role in the state’s industrial sector.
“This project is a win for Brisbane’s north, a win for Queensland manufacturing and a win for Queensland’s fuel security,” Nicholls said.
He added that the investment aimed to help translate Queensland innovation into industrial development while attracting private investment.
Wildfire Energy Chief Executive Officer and co-founder Greg Perkins said the funding would help bring the company’s technology to commercial scale.
“The funding allows us to move from demonstrating the technology to delivering Queensland’s first waste-to-biofuels commercial reference plant, creating jobs, attracting investment and supporting the growth of Queensland’s biofuels industry,” Mr Perkins said.
He said the Bulwer Island project would demonstrate how locally developed technology could convert hard-to-recycle waste into valuable products while supporting the development of new industries.
The Queensland Government said the investment forms part of broader measures to strengthen the state’s fuel security, alongside initiatives to increase refinery capability, fuel storage and domestic oil production.
