Your Biomethane Development Pathway, VIC

Action plan

Confidence 0%

First, verify the dry matter and methane potential of the dairy manure and food waste streams. Next, perform a candidate route assessment to decide between onsite electricity or gas injection. Then, contact the local Victorian gas network operator to screen for injection capacity. Decision gate: Proceed to full feasibility only if feedstock collection costs and network connection estimates align with the 31 AUD/GJ price reference.

Developing this pathway in VIC

Confidence 0%

Victoria presents a mature renewable gas landscape with 133 public registry records, including 7 matching the biomethane pathway. Notable operational projects like the Traralgon Network Support Station (10 MW) and Lilydale (ramping 2025) demonstrate regional activity. However, state-level resource context [VIC-1] does not guarantee site-specific supply. The pathway is subject to EPA Victoria permissioning under categories such as A07a or A07b [VIC-3, VIC-4].

Confirm EPA permission category

• Why it matters for you: The scale of organic waste processing determines if you require a simple registration or a complex permit.
• Evidence needed: Finalised daily tonnage throughput and feedstock classifications.
• Next action: Consult the EPA 'Find which permission you need' tool [VIC-2].
• Who confirms it: EPA Victoria.

Identify network injection feasibility

• Why it matters for you: Network processes for biomethane connections are specific to the operator [VIC-6].
• Evidence needed: Injection capacity and gas quality specifications for the local VIC distribution zone.
• Next action: Lodge a preliminary enquiry with the relevant Gas Distribution Business.
• Who confirms it: Victorian gas network operator (e.g., AGIG, AusNet).

Declared Objective and Scenario

Confidence 0%

The declared objective is to investigate the conversion of collected animal manure from 500 fully housed dairy cows and 1.5 tonnes of food and processing organics into biomethane within Victoria. Based on deterministic model engine ecosystem-1.0.0, this input generates a modelled output of 573 Nm³/day of biomethane (at 346.75 operating days per year). Alternatively, the same gas pool could yield 406 kg/day of BioLNG or 1,570 kWh/day of electricity. These modelled outputs are not verified production figures. While the AU Pricing Model provides an indicative reference of 31 AUD/GJ for biomethane, commercial viability not established because CAPEX, OPEX, and offtake terms remain unknown. The status of the plant and network connection point is currently unresolved.

Commercialisation screen

Confidence 0%

Commercial viability not established. While the AU Pricing Model indicates 31 AUD/GJ for biomethane, this is an indicative reference, not an offer. The potential 694 kg/day of recoverable CO2 is noted, but CO2 sales cannot be inferred from mass alone as bulk biogenic CO2 buyer prices are not verified by Shelby. Furthermore, net electricity after parasitic load is unknown, meaning the 1,570 kWh/day model output may be significantly lower in practice. Digestate value and useful heat demand remain unquantified, representing lost potential revenue or disposal costs. The commercial screen cannot be completed until OPEX for feedstock handling and CAPEX for conversion technology are defined. Certificates and funding are excluded from this base case analysis.

Your next pathway decisions

Confidence 0%

The primary pathway involves the collection of manure and food organics for anaerobic digestion. Tonnage alone does not establish available feedstock; actual collection rates for the 500 cows must be verified against bedding types and wash-down systems. A candidate route comparison is required between electricity generation (1,570 kWh/day) and biomethane (573 Nm³/day). Electricity connections differ significantly from gas injection infrastructure in cost and regulatory requirements.

Assess feedstock collection efficiency

• Why it matters for you: Tonnage and herd size do not guarantee the energy potential if the collection method dilutes the volatile solids.
• Evidence needed: Measured dry matter content and contamination rates of the 1.5 tonnes of food waste.
• Next action: Conduct a physical waste audit of current manure management and food waste streams.
• Who confirms it: Operations manager or third-party waste auditor.

Evaluate gas vs electricity infrastructure

• Why it matters for you: Electricity MW is never gas volume; a 1,570 kWh/day output requires different network interface equipment than gas injection.
• Evidence needed: Distance to the nearest high-pressure gas main versus the nearest 11kV/22kV power line.
• Next action: Screen local network maps for proximity to gas and electricity infrastructure.
• Who confirms it: Registered network service provider (NSP).

Frequently asked questions

Can I sell the 694 kg/day of CO2 mentioned in the model?

Saleable CO2 is not established. While 694 kg/day is the recoverable mass, commercial sales depend on purification costs and local buyer demand, which are not verified.

Does the 1,570 kWh/day of electricity include the power needed to run the plant?

No. The modelled output is gross production. Net electricity after parasitic load is currently unknown and must be calculated based on the selected plant technology.

Is the 31 AUD/GJ price a guaranteed offer?

No. This is an indicative reference from the AU Pricing Model and does not constitute a formal offtake agreement or market quotation.

How does the Victorian context affect my digestate management?

Digestate must be managed according to EPA Victoria requirements [VIC-5], which may involve specific storage and application standards that impact OPEX.

Sources & References

www.energy.vic.gov.au

www.epa.vic.gov.au

www.epa.vic.gov.au

www.epa.vic.gov.au

www.epa.vic.gov.au

www.agig.com.au