A Westernport Water project is one of 24 to be funded by the state government under its program to create renewable energy from organic waste that would otherwise end up in landfill.

Member for Bass, Jordan Crugnale announced $212, 500 for Westernport Water to undertake a feasibility study on the viability for a waste-to-energy cogeneration facility at their Wastewater Treatment Plant in Cowes.

Also funded within the Bass electorate is $43,500 for Energy 360 Pty Ltd in Lang Lang who will work with a dairy farm in Gippsland to conduct a feasibility study and business case for a waste to energy project using Anaerobic Digestion technology.

Ms Crugnale said more than $8 million has been provided through the Waste to Energy – Bioenergy Fund which is supporting farming and food production, and other industry sectors to turn organic waste – including agricultural, livestock, food and wood waste – into electricity, heat, gas, or liquid fuel.

"This is a significant boost to Victoria’s bioenergy sector and sends a strong signal to our local and statewide industries of the critical role waste to energy has towards achieving our goals to reduce emissions,” she said.

The 24 projects are forecast to boost Victoria’s renewable energy capacity by an additional 6.82 megawatts (MW), enough to power 3410 homes with renewable energy, Ms Crugnale said.

Other funded projects include Victoria’s first renewable fuel biorefinery project in Mildura, and a major dairy business converting cheese whey waste into biogas that will be used to power its dairy manufacturing plant.

For more information see sustainability.vic.gov.au/grants-funding-and-investment/funded-grants/waste-to-energy-fund-bioenergy-funded-projects.