Tully Sugar Mill - 21.4 MW Biomass Power Plant in Queensland, Australia

Tully Sugar Mill is a biomass power plant located in Tully, Queensland, Australia. With a capacity of 21.4 MW, it is a small-scale facility that converts sugarcane bagasse into electricity. The plant is owned by COFCO and is currently operational, contributing to the region's renewable energy portfolio. The plant operates under Australia's national environmental and energy regulations, including the National Greenhouse and Energy Reporting (NGER) scheme and the Renewable Energy Target (RET). Biomass power plants like Tully Sugar Mill utilize agricultural waste, reducing landfill and providing a renewable energy source. The technology typically involves combustion of biomass to produce steam that drives a turbine. Environmentally, the plant helps reduce greenhouse gas emissions compared to fossil fuel alternatives. Its location in a sugarcane-growing region ensures a steady fuel supply. The facility supports local energy needs and aligns with Australia's goals for renewable energy generation.

The Tully region has a tropical climate with high rainfall, supporting sugarcane cultivation. The biomass plant uses bagasse, a byproduct of sugar milling, reducing waste and methane emissions from decomposition. While biomass combustion releases CO2, it is considered carbon-neutral if the feedstock is sustainably sourced. The plant's small capacity minimizes local air quality impacts, and its operation displaces fossil fuel-based electricity.