MSM Milling Biomass Fuel Switch Project (Revoked)

The MSM Milling Biomass Fuel Switch Project (Revoked) was an industrial energy efficiency project located at the MSM Milling facility in Manildra, New South Wales. The site is situated approximately 45km northwest of the major regional city of Orange. Registered in October 2015, the project operated under the Industrial Electricity and Fuel Efficiency methodology, which credits emissions reductions achieved by upgrading equipment or switching to lower-emission fuel sources, in this case, displacing fossil fuels with biomass.

The Manildra region is a key agricultural hub within the Central West Slopes and Plains, characterized by a temperate climate with annual rainfall averaging between 600mm and 700mm. The landscape is dominated by undulating cropping land and grazing pastures, supporting the region’s robust production of canola and wheat. The local soils are predominantly Red Chromosols (Red Brown Earths), which are highly fertile and well-suited to the intensive cultivation required for the oilseed processing occurring at the facility.

Although this specific Carbon Farming Initiative project was revoked in December 2017 following the conclusion of its contract period, the project's objective was ultimately realized. MSM Milling successfully commissioned a 4.88MW biomass boiler in early 2019, supported by the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). This boiler, fueled by locally sourced forestry waste and timber residues, replaced existing LPG boilers, delivering on the original intent to significantly lower the facility's carbon footprint and energy costs.