OneFortyOne General Manger Operations Nigel Boyd, Minister for Forest Industries Clare Scriven MLC, Premier Peter Malinauskas MP, OneFortyOne CEO Wendy Norris
OneFortyOne is investing around $30 million in a renewable biomass power generation project at its Jubilee Sawmill in Mount Gambier. Source: Timberbiz
The project, which includes the installation of a new boiler and steam turbine, represents a total investment of approximately $90 million. This initiative underscores our commitment to continuous investment, demonstrating our long-term dedication to the region, sustainability and innovation.
The Jubilee Sawmill first started producing electricity in 1956, producing energy for Mount Gambier until the 1970s.
The new turbine will generate more than enough electricity to power the entire Jubilee Sawmill site. The excess renewable electricity can be returned to the grid or used to enable future electrification of forklifts, trucks and other machinery.
It is expected to be completed by 2026 and will provide the following benefits:
- This project will help us achieve over 70% of our Scope 1 and 2 emissions reduction target
- Over 50% reduction in OneFortyOne’s total combined Scope 1 and 2 emissions[1]
- Over 85% reduction in OneFortyOne’s total Scope 2 emissions[2]
- Over 9,000 tCO2e emissions avoided on 2021 levels
- Estimated total annual renewable electricity generated: 43,800 mWh.
“The Jubilee Sawmill has been part of OneFortyOne since 2018 and since that time we have proudly invested in the team and the site every year,” OFO CEO Wendy Norris said.
“The need to replace our current boiler, which is reaching its end of life, has presented us with a unique opportunity to rethink how we utilise steam and consume electricity at our site.
“This investment not only supports our decarbonisation goals but also positions us for future opportunities in renewable energy.
“By installing a steam turbine power generation system, we will be able to produce electricity from biomass, significantly repurposing wood fibre, preparing for our future energy needs.”
South Australian Forest Products Association congratulated OneFortyOne on its investment.
“The Green Triangle is renowned as Australia’s premier softwood plantation and processing hub, and now, with today’s announcement by OneFortyOne, the forest industries will take a great step forward on the path to decarbonisation,” said Mr Nathan Paine, CEO of the South Australian Forest Products Association.
“OneFortyOne’s investment into a renewable cogeneration power project will deliver a 50% reduction in OneForty One’s total scope 1 emissions and over 85% of their total scope 2 emissions, saving over 9,000 tCO2e. Not only will this new cogeneration facility generate all the energy for the Jubilee sawmill, the largest sawmill in Australia, it is estimated to generate 20,000 mWh of excess renewable electricity which will be returned to the grid or in the future used to power vehicles and machinery,” said Mr Paine.
“The decarbonisation of OneFortyOne’s Jubilee Sawmill is a clear statement piece to policy makers that forestry is the ultimate renewable, as forestry captures and stores more carbon than they emit, and better yet, is now using renewable energy sources to power their own sawmill practices.
“Evidence shows that every cubic meter of finished softwood product sequesters a gross 900kg CO2-e and a net 718 kg CO2-e. As our industry seeks to decarbonise in an ambitious drive to reduce our emission, leadership like this from OneFortyOne demonstrates the focus, commitment and investment in creating a cleaner, safer and more prosperous future.
“With businesses leading through the discovery and implementation of innovative technologies, just like OneFortyOne’s renewable project, it illustrates that new technologies and new pathways can, and will, decarbonise our economy,” said Mr Paine.
“Congratulations to the team at OneFortyOne for further decarbonising the ultimate renewable industry. The future is bright with forestry leading by example to achieve a cleaner, greener future.”
The Premier of South Australia Peter Malinauskas said OFO’s investment into one of South Australia’s most significant industries was exciting for the State.
“This is a welcome announcement, which means longevity of technology, reduced carbon emissions and renewable energy going back into the grid,” he said.
“OneFortyOne’s investment in renewable power generation at Jubilee Sawmill is a significant step towards reducing our carbon footprint and enhancing our energy efficiency. We are excited about the future possibilities this project will bring and remain committed to investing in our business, valuing our fibre and emissions reduction.”
