Rivalea St Arnaud Biogas

Rivalea St Arnaud Biogas is an animal effluent management project located approximately 15 kilometers west of St Arnaud in the Wimmera region of Victoria. Registered on December 24, 2024, the project is operated by JBS Pork Australia Pty Ltd, utilizing the existing piggery operations in the area. The site sits within a region characterised by mixed farming, including cropping and grazing, and is situated roughly 240 kilometers northwest of Melbourne.

The project operates under the Carbon Credits (Carbon Farming Initiative, Animal Effluent Management) Methodology Determination 2019. This methodology credits the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions achieved by capturing methane generated from the anaerobic decomposition of animal manure. Specifically, the project involves the installation of a new facility, likely a covered anaerobic lagoon or digester, to capture biogas from piggery effluent that would otherwise be released into the atmosphere from open ponds. The captured methane is then destroyed through combustion, often converting it into renewable electricity or heat for on-site use.

The St Arnaud region experiences a warm temperate climate with Mediterranean characteristics, receiving an annual rainfall of approximately 500mm to 550mm. The local environment is defined by its semi-arid conditions, with soils in the broader Wimmera area typically consisting of heavy clays and clay-loams, known for their moisture-retention capabilities but susceptibility to compaction.

JBS Pork Australia, the proponent, acquired Rivalea in 2021 and has been actively investing in bioenergy systems across its portfolio to support a target of Net Zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2040. This project mirrors similar successful biogas initiatives at their Corowa facility, where methane capture generates a significant portion of the site's electricity needs. By converting waste emissions into energy, the project not only generates carbon credits but also improves the facility's energy independence and odor management.