BioDICE Feasibility Study

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The project will investigate the feasibility of dispatchable, cost-effective power from forest and mill wastes using adapted diesel engines (direct injection carbon engine – bioDICE).Key resultsThe Feasibility Study has not identified any previously unknown technical or economic factors that could diminish the case for bioDICE – all results are positive.A simplified Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) shows that each tonne of forest waste could generate 0.94 MWh of sent out electricity. In Victoria, this could displace 0.94 MWh of brown coal-based grid electricity, which would save 1,150-1,200 kg of CO2 of coal-fired power station emissions. After taking into account initial sequestration of CO2 for forest growth, an allowance for harvesting and transport, and emissions from leaving the waste in situ an overall benefit/reduction in CO2 of 1,150-1,230 kg CO2/tonne of forest waste utilised is achieved over the business-as-usual case. This is the best case for the 3.4 MW bioDICE plant analysed.

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