Green crude production demo plant opens in Australia

A demonstration-scale plant that will convert marine microalgae into green crude has opened in Whyalla, South Australia.

The $10.7 million (€8.7 million) plant will produce 30,000 litres per year of green crude. Plant constructor and green crude producer Muradel will use its Green2Black technology for the ongoing production of the renewable fuel.

Muradel hopes to develop the demonstration plant into a commercial plant that could produce 500,000 barrels per year of green crude.

Ian Kay, CFO, Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA) said as Australia's domestic liquid refinery capacity declines, there is an opportunity to find and secure cost effective alternative transport fuels.

ARENA has provided $4.4 million funding for the plant.