Alternative fuels producer HIF Global has entered into a collaboration agreement with Tasmanian private forestry manager Forico Pty Ltd, outlining plans to secure biogenic CO2, water, and explore potential investment opportunities for its upcoming e-fuels production facility in Tasmania.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU), signed on Wednesday, signals HIF Global's intention to utilize a site at Forico's Surrey Hills plantation, located 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) south of Burnie. The agreement also encompasses the procurement of biomass and water supplies from Forico, with the possibility of an investment in the e-fuels project.
Engineering activities for the HIF Tasmania e-fuels scheme are currently in progress, with France's Technip Energies NV engaged as the technology and plant design engineer. Construction of the e-fuels plant is anticipated to commence in 2025.
Situated outside Burnie, the HIF Tasmania facility aims to produce up to 100 million liters of e-gasoline by 2028. The production process involves leveraging green hydrogen and recycled CO2 sourced from plantation biomass.
HIF Global has additionally finalized a biomass supply agreement with Forico, with ongoing efforts to finalize a contract for the supply of residue biomass from Forico's hardwood plantations in Tasmania.
Ignacio Hernandez, CEO of HIF Asia Pacific, highlighted the significance of the agreement with Forico, citing the strategic location for the eFuels facility and the established biomass sourcing strategy. The project is expected to generate approximately 200 permanent jobs in Tasmania's northwest.
Forico's Chief Strategy Officer, Andrew Jacobs, expressed motivation for utilizing biomass residues from their operations, emphasizing the reduction in replant costs and the innovative potential of eFuel production as a forward-looking resource.
The collaboration between HIF Global and Forico reflects the growing momentum in sustainable alternatives within the energy sector, contributing to the broader shift toward eco-friendly and decarbonized fuel solutions.
