In 2014, NH Foods Australia became the first Australian beef producer to invest in Global Water & Energy’s (GWE) COHRAL™ (Covered High-Rate Anaerobic Lagoon) technology, a cutting-edge system that significantly reduces our environmental footprint. This pioneering technology has positioned Oakey Beef Exports at the forefront of environmental stewardship and sustainability in the beef industry.
The system captures and converts organic content from wastewater into biogas, providing a renewable energy source that reduces our reliance on fossil fuels. This not only powers our operations but also significantly decreases greenhouse gas emissions and odours, reinforcing our commitment to a cleaner and more efficient future.
The benefits extend beyond energy efficiency. The GWE technology eliminates up to 90% of organic waste in the wastewater treatment process, resulting in improved water quality upon discharge. This ensures we meet and exceed environmental standards while minimising our impact on surrounding ecosystems.
Since its commissioning, the Wastewater and Biogas Facility at Oakey Beef Exports has been consistently generating biogas, significantly reducing emissions and enhancing sustainability efforts. The facility has removed emissions annually since 2014 and now achieves 20KT of CO₂ removal annually where the captured biogas is utilised by the processing plant, reducing reliance on off-site energy sources.
Our success at Oakey Beef Exports is shaping the future of sustainable beef production. The same technology is now being implemented at our Wingham and Mackay plants, further strengthening NH Foods Australia’s position as an industry leader in sustainability.
The effectiveness of our biogas initiative has been recognised on a global scale, becoming a finalist in two categories – (i) Energy and (ii) Sustainability – at the 2019 IChemE Global Awards.
By embracing innovative waste-to-energy solutions, we are not only reducing our environmental footprint but also setting new benchmarks for responsible production. Our commitment to sustainable practices ensures that we continue to deliver high-quality beef while safeguarding the planet for future generations.