JBS Scone Wastewater Biogas Emission Reduction

JBS Scone Wastewater Biogas Emission Reduction is a commercial and industrial wastewater management project located at the JBS Australia abattoir in Scone, approximately 150km northwest of Newcastle in the Upper Hunter region of NSW. It was registered in January 2022 and operates within the facility's footprint to treat industrial wastewater.

Wastewater projects under this methodology involve installing anaerobic digesters, or covering existing deep open anaerobic lagoons, to capture naturally occurring biogas (methane) generated from wastewater treatment. The captured biogas is then combusted using a flaring device or a boiler, which prevents the methane from venting into the atmosphere and reduces overall greenhouse gas emissions.

The Upper Hunter region around Scone is renowned for beef cattle grazing, agriculture, and equine breeding. The region experiences a sub-humid climate with an average annual rainfall of approximately 636mm, and local soils generally consist of Chromosols, clays, and fertile alluvial soils.

In partnership with bioenergy company Energy360 (now part of AGL), this project installed two gas-tight pond covers over the plant's wastewater lagoons. The system redirects the captured biogas to power the facility's boilers, displacing its reliance on liquified natural gas (LNG). This circular bioenergy system saves an estimated $1.25 million per year in gas expenses while eliminating between 23,000 and 28,000 tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions annually. In March 2025, the project successfully varied its methodology application, updating from Compilation No. 1 to Compilation No. 3.