Biodiesel plant puts Newport at forefront of global push for renewable fuels

A NEW biodiesel plant officially launched at Newport’s Shell terminal yesterday has been lauded as a world-first for Shell and a boon for Victoria’s regional economy.

Employment and Industrial Relations Minister Richard Dalla-Riva attended the launch of the $5 million Shell BioDiesel 20 plant, which received a $2 million state government contribution.

The biofuel is sourced from Australian Renewable Fuels, based in Barnawartha in north-east Victoria.

“Shell’s investment in this facility will give people in Victoria greater access to biodiesel produced in regional Victoria, which will support jobs and investment and expand the local biofuels industry,” Mr Dalla-Riva said.

Shell vice-president Andrew Smith said the plant was a world-first and

“one of the largest projects Shell has undertaken at its Newport terminal in 10 years”.

“While there are many benefits to customers from using biodiesel blends up to B20, we are especially pleased that it will support Victoria’s regional economy, notably the Barnawartha area.”

-Goya Dmytryshchak