Overview
Plane Creek Sugar Mill is a 14 MW biomass power plant in Queensland, Australia, owned by Sucrogen. It generates electricity from sugarcane bagasse, supporting local renewable energy.
Plane Creek Sugar Mill is a biomass power plant located in Queensland, Australia, with a capacity of 14 MW. Owned by Sucrogen (Plane Creek Mill) Pty Ltd, the facility is operational and utilizes sugarcane bagasse as its primary fuel source, a byproduct of sugar milling. This places it within the small-scale biomass segment typical of the Australian sugar industry. The plant operates under Australia's national renewable energy framework, which includes the Renewable Energy Target (RET) and state-level emissions reduction policies. Biomass power plants like this one are classified as renewable energy sources, contributing to grid decarbonization. The technology involves combustion of biomass to produce steam for electricity generation, a well-established approach in the region. Environmentally, the plant provides a beneficial use for agricultural waste, reducing methane emissions from bagasse decomposition. Its location in a rural area minimizes direct population exposure to emissions. As part of the local sugar milling infrastructure, it supports energy self-sufficiency and adds resilience to the regional grid.
Environmental context
The plant's use of biomass fuel, primarily bagasse, results in lower net CO2 emissions compared to fossil fuels, as the carbon released is part of the natural carbon cycle. However, combustion still produces particulate matter and NOx, which are regulated under Australian air quality standards. The facility's rural location reduces population exposure, and its small capacity (14 MW) limits overall environmental impact.
Frequently asked questions
Plane Creek Sugar Mill is located in Queensland, Australia, near the town of Sarina. The plant's coordinates are approximately 21.43°S, 149.22°E.
It is a biomass power plant that generates electricity by burning sugarcane bagasse, a byproduct of sugar milling. The plant has a capacity of 14 MW.
The plant is owned by Sucrogen (Plane Creek Mill) Pty Ltd, a company involved in sugar milling and renewable energy production.
Biomass power plants in Australia must comply with national and state air quality standards, including the National Environment Protection Measure (NEPM) for ambient air quality. They also benefit from the Renewable Energy Target (RET) scheme, which incentivizes renewable generation.
By using bagasse as fuel, the plant converts agricultural waste into electricity, reducing reliance on fossil fuels. It supports Australia's renewable energy goals and helps lower greenhouse gas emissions from the sugar industry.