Processors highlight commercial solutions for decarbonisation at Renewable Heat Conference
The 2025 Australian Renewable Heat Conference, held from 26 to 27 August in Sydney, brought together over 300 industry leaders, technology providers, researchers, and policymakers to explore commercial solutions for decarbonisation and renewable process heat.
As a proud gold sponsor, the Australian Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) played a pivotal role in showcasing industry-leading research, innovative technologies, and actionable strategies to support the red meat processing industry’s decarbonisation pathway.
Key themes and insights
Dr Michael Bellstedt of Minus40 Consulting Engineers presented a detailed case study on leveraging daytime grid renewable electricity through cold energy storage. By charging cold storage tanks during surplus grid renewables and low-tariff periods for later discharge and use during periods of low grid renewables and peak demand, processors can significantly reduce both emissions and operating costs. AMPC is supporting further research in this area to assess its scalability across the sector.
Megan Williams from G&K O’Connor shared valuable outcomes from a sustainability project co-funded by ARENA and AMPC. The project evaluated the cost-benefit of integrating renewable heat and power solutions, demonstrating the critical role of workforce engagement in energy efficiency to ensure long-term success. This integrated approach provides a strong model for others seeking to decarbonise process heat.
An AMPC-sponsored session on renewable gas sparked robust discussion on the potential for renewable fuels, including biomethane, to play a role in decarbonising industrial heat. The panel acknowledged that while biomethane holds promise, it also presents challenges, including variable gate fees, the need for efficient dewatering processes, and competition from emerging composting technologies.
Jacob Welch from Teys Australia delivered a compelling presentation on the company’s successful approach to optimising behind-the-meter biogas, progressively achieving 100 per cent utilisation and eliminating flaring, marking a significant milestone in their decarbonisation journey.
A joint presentation by Mayur Dangar from Kilcoy Global Foods and Dr Ankit Shringi from Anthesis Group highlighted the importance of integrating multiple technologies with government programs to achieve certified emissions reductions. Their work at the Kilcoy site exemplifies how a comprehensive approach can deliver measurable outcomes.
Another key highlight of the conference was the presentation of the 2025 Australian Renewable Heat Awards, which recognise outstanding achievements in renewable heat innovation. Kilcoy Global Foods, in partnership with Evo Energy Technologies, received the Outstanding Biogas Project Award.
The award-winning project, supported by AMPC, involved integrating biogas, combined heat and power (CHP), and biomass technologies. It is certified under Climate Active and generates Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs) through the Emissions Reduction Fund.
For more information about the red meat processing industry’s decarbonisation pathway, visit the AMPC website: https://ampc.com.au/news-events/news/australian-red-meat-processors-record-best-environmental-performance-since-1998/