Jemena, Valorify partner to inject biomethane into NSW gas network

Australian infrastructure company Jemena and Melbourne-based biogas developer Valorify have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) to explore the feasibility of injecting biomethane into New South Wales' gas distribution network, Jemena announced on September 12.

Biomethane, a renewable gas derived from biogas produced by decomposing organic waste, is fully compatible with existing gas network infrastructure and appliances used in homes, businesses, and industrial processes.

David Gillespie, managing director of Jemena, highlighted that Valorify’s proposed Riverina bioenergy project could supply enough biomethane to meet the energy needs of over 50,000 households or more than 6% of current industrial demand.

"Valorify’s Riverina bioenergy project will help decarbonise large gas users, such as those in glass, medicine, and building material manufacturing, which require high-heat processes that cannot be electrified," Gillespie said.

Scott Grierson, CEO of Valorify, emphasised the project's potential to benefit local communities by converting agricultural waste into economic opportunities, stimulating regional economies, and creating permanent jobs.

The Riverina project, located in regional NSW, will use Jemena’s distribution network to deliver approximately 4 petajoules of biomethane annually, with the first 2 PJ module expected to be operational by 2027.