In another step towards delivering the Maryvale Energy from Waste (EfW) facility, the project consortium has announced that O.C.O Technology has joined the project as a collaboration partner.

The parties involved have inked a Development Agreement, reinforcing their leading position and best practice credentials of the Maryvale EfW project.

The consortium said the partnership means that the EfW facility is targeting 99 per cent landfill diversion by reusing by-products that are produced during the EfW process, in line with the principles of the circular economy.

Under the agreement, O.C.O would construct the Maryvale Accelerated Carbonation Technology (ACT) facility to process flue gas treatment residues (FGTR) from the Maryvale EfW facility.

O.C.O treats the residues with carbon dioxide to create what it calls the world’s first carbon negative aggregate named M-LS, which can then be used in the construction industry, helping to reduce the carbon footprint of the construction industry. This technology has been deployed in the UK by O.C.O for over a decade.

O.C.O said it treats over 180,000 tonnes of thermal residues per annum – currently over 35 per cent of the UK market share. With several global ventures rapidly developing, it added that the business is keen to deploy its innovative technology in Australia.

It also said establishing the Maryvale ACT would bring internationally recognised product solutions that offer clear value to growing green markets in Australia.

Specifically, the ACT facility would be co-located with the Maryvale EfW facility in Victoria’s Latrobe Valley and process and recycle the FGTR into proven M-LS products for the Victorian construction sector.

Ultimately O.C.O Technology mentioned that this would increase the landfill diversion derived by the Maryvale EfW facility from 96 per cent to approximately 99 per cent, making both facilities a showcase for Australian recycling and clean energy projects.

Speaking on behalf of the consortium, David Jettner, general manager of Opal corporate development and strategic projects, said the Maryvale EfW project had achieved another notable first in Victoria.

“EfW facilities are a proven and reliable solution that derive valuable energy from non- recyclable residual waste,” Jettner said.

“Consistent with our best practice approach, the processing and recycling of ash residues to achieve 99 per cent landfill diversion, derived by the Maryvale EfW facility, is now within reach for Victoria. We are delighted to bring O.C.O Technology’s innovative world-class solution to Victoria.”

O.C.O Technology managing director Steve Greig said,” O.C.O has been operating in the UK for over 10 years, and have diverted over 750,000 tonnes of waste from landfill, which has provided well over 2 million tonnes of carbon negative aggregate into the masonry and general construction market and permanently captured over 70,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide.

“We are proud and excited to be connected with the Maryvale Project and to help the EfW process to become almost landfill free.

“Our technology provides a process that permanently captures CO2 in the manufacture of our product, making the M-LS truly carbon negative, helping ensure that the facility fully fits into the circular economy, provides diversion from landfill and helps to de-carbonise Victoria’s construction industry.”