Industry leaders, members of government and local stakeholders will gather in Shepparton on Tuesday to talk about creating renewable energy from things such as food waste, surplus crops, agricultural waste and food industry byproducts.
The Shepparton Bioenergy Forum aims to explore the potential in the region for generating energy, including biofuels and biogases, from organic matter.
As the food bowl of Victoria, organisers said Greater Shepparton presented a unique opportunity for developing bioenergy solutions.
“Bioenergy is really well suited to regional areas … because you’ve got the intense agricultural industry,” Victorian Bioenergy Network executive officer Ragini Prasad said.
She said the beauty of bioenergy was that it used waste already being generated.
That waste could be converted into heat, electricity, biogas and fuels, rather than ending up in a landfill.
“With the volume of waste you get in Shepparton, you could do this on a big scale,” Ms Prasad said.
She said the process of creating bioenergy could also lead to the creation of fertilisers, and could help local industries to decrease reliance on fossil fuels.
“You’ve got a significant food production sector in Shepparton,” Ms Prasad said.
“That industry needs reliable energy.”
Ms Prasad said the industry would struggle to decarbonise without something such as bioenergy, which she described as a “here and now” technology that could utilise existing gas infrastructure.
Bioenergy is not a new form of renewable energy, but Ms Prasad said Australia had been slower than some other countries when it came to uptake.
It has gained prominence among some policymakers across the world as governments work to mitigate climate change and reduce emissions.
Despite increased interest, there are still arguments about the risks and benefits bioenergy poses, including how to ensure sustainability.
Ms Prasad said it was more complicated than some other forms of renewable energy, such as wind or solar, and that was part of the reason gatherings like Tuesday’s forum were important.
“It is technically more complex, so strong relationships are needed,” Ms Prasad said.
“The biggest barrier is awareness.”
She said organisers wanted this to be a non-partisan issue, and they had engaged people in government and the opposition.
The forum on Tuesday, October 8, will begin at 8.30am at the Carrington Hotel Shepparton.
Speakers include Victorian Shadow Energy Minister David Davis, local representatives and industry experts.
There will also be a chance for attendees to hear from people already involved in bioenergy projects in the area.
On behalf of the Victorian Government, Sustainability Victoria has invested $9.08 million into projects across the state.
That includes Katunga Fresh, which received funding up to $1 million and Goulburn Valley Region Water Corporation, which received funding up to $130,000.
Tickets for the forum can be purchased at tinyurl.com/uj4n4wcd