Biomanufacturing
Precision fermentation plant established in Mackay
$300 Million
National industry possibility by 2030
$1.1 Billion
% of Mackay's Power Generation from Mackay Sugar's cogeneration plant
30%
Litres of pure methylated ethanol produced per year at Wilma'r
$60 Million
The Cauldron Bio-Fab.
Cauldron Ferm was recently in Mackay for the announcement they will build the region’s first precision fermentation facility,
Biomanufacturing
refers to the development and manufacturing of products from living organisms and cells, rather than fossil fuels.
Sugarcane is abundant within the Greater Whitsunday region.
There are five working sugar mills in the region’s sugar industry, with a 38MW renewable bagasse cogeneration plan at Mackay Sugar’s Racecourse Mill.
Potential sugarcane feedstocks
such as sugar, liquors and molasses can be used in precision fermentation.
Mackay is gaining rapid recognition both nationally and internationally as an emerging biomanufacturing hub.
Greater Whitsunday Alliance (GW3) is working with key local proponents to position the Mackay, Isaac, and Whitsunday Local Government Areas (LGAs) as leaders in the nation’s bourgeoning biomanufacturing sector. The sector is on track to be worth more than $1.1 billion nationally by 2030. The Greater Whitsunday region is well positioned as early adopters and innovators across a diverse industry set.
Significant growth is also projected for bio-refinery products in the coming years, namely:
- Biorefinery Products: Global Markets Report (BCC Research 2021), identifying that the market is expected to grow from US$587 billion in 2020 to US$868 billion in 2025
- Contract Biomanufacturing Services Global Market; forecast to 2028 identifies that the global market for contract biomanufacturing services is projected to reach US$57 billion by 2028.
The region has seen the development and maturation of a $300 million fermentation plant in Mackay as a cornerstone to the region’s biofoods future. Meanwhile, about 30% of Mackay’s total power generation is produced from the Nordzucker Mackay Sugar cogeneration plant at Racecourse Mill and Wilmar’s Plane Creek operations generate about 60 million litres of pure methylated ethanol each year.
The Biomanufacturing Sector.
- Access to ample biomass feedstocks
- Sophisticated transport and logistics networks
- Existing biomanufacturing operations
- In-region biomanufacturing research facilities
- Clean energy options
- Local skills and technical services provided by our existing companion markets
- A long-held commitment gives the region’s legacy organisations to diversification and future skills and industry development.
Significant growth for bio-refinery products.
While the global biomanufacturing economy is still emerging, there is increasing momentum, shifting the sector activity from a focus on science to commercialisation, to tackle global challenges and find future solutions.
Demonstrated Biomanufacturing Capabilities
Wilmar Sugar Sarina Distillery
The Wilmar Sugar Sarina Distillery commenced operation in 1927 and is now the largest producer of ethanol from sugarcane in Australia. The ethanol from this facility is used for fuel, as well as pharmaceutical, printing, cleaning, winery, aerosol, animal health and food and beverage products. The Wilmar Sugar Sarina Distillery currently employs around 50 people directly, along with 30 contractors.
Mackay Renewable Biocommodities Pilot Plant
The Mackay Renewable Bio-Commodities Pilot Plant is owned and operated by the Queensland University of Technology (QUT) and is hosted by Mackay Sugar Limited. The bio-commodities plant is a unique facility that enables research, development and demonstration of pilot scale bio-mass processing and is available for use by industry and research partners looking to commercialise new bio-technologies and bio-products. The capacity to provide access to research facilities in region provides a unique resource to companies interested in establishing operations within the region.
Access to renewable energy
Biomanufacturing facilities require access to renewable energy to reduce environmental footprint and increase their capacity to compete in the biomanufacturing industry. Mackay Sugar’s co-generation plant at Racecourse Mill uses bagasse to generate enough electricity to power 30 per cent of Mackay. The climate, location and resources of the region also provide access to solar as a viable power source, as well as offering opportunities in hydrogen production.
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