Viva Energy yesterday officially celebrated the commissioning of the Ultra-Low Sulphur Gasoline (ULSG) plant at its Geelong refinery.
The project was part of a $400 million refinery upgrade which included a $150 million committed contribution from the Australian Government.
What is anticipated to set a new benchmark for fuel standards in Australia, the new ultra-low sulphur petrol will deliver a reduction in tailpipe emissions, resulting in improvements in air quality, public health and the environment.
Under the new standards, all grades of petrol must contain a maximum of 10 parts per million sulphur and 95 Research Octane Number (RON) petrol a maximum of 35 per cent aromatics.
The new fuel standards came into effect on 15 December, positioning Australia to import the most advanced and efficient cars with the latest internal combustion engine technology.
More than 300 people worked on the project at the peak of construction, representing a substantial workforce drawn from a range of trades and disciplines, including engineers, skilled tradespeople such as electricians and pipefitters, project managers, safety officers, and support staff.
The influx of workers provided a boost to the local economy and supported local businesses throughout the 27-month construction period.
The new plant incorporates 29 kilometres of pipes and 51 kilometres of electrical cable.
The gasoline desulphurisation technology is being successfully used in 300 refineries around the globe.
The sulphur that is removed is converted to elemental sulphur which is then sold for use in a range of fertiliser products for the Australian agricultural market.
The plant was officially declared open by Minister for Climate Change and Energy Chris Bowen. The event was also attended by Viva Energy Chairman Robert Hill and CEO Scott Wyatt.
“Australians deserve cleaner fuels that protect their health and keep our economy moving, and that is what this investment delivers,” said Bowen.
“By backing Viva Energy’s refinery in Geelong we are supporting local jobs, locking in fuel security here at home, and cutting harmful pollution from the cars people drive every day.”
Viva Energy CEO Scott Wyatt said the completion of the ULSG plant represents the most significant upgrade to the Geelong refinery in many years.
“This investment not only keeps local manufacturing thriving but also enables us to produce the cleanest petrol we’ve ever manufactured in Australia, reducing vehicle emissions and supporting the latest in vehicle technology,” he said.
“We are proud to play a leading role in ensuring Australia’s energy security and contributing to a cleaner environment for future generations.”
Chairman Robert Hill affirmed Viva Energy’s ongoing commitment to Geelong and the broader Australian community.
“This milestone demonstrates our dedication to a strong local manufacturing sector and a cleaner energy future and we are grateful to the Commonwealth for its support in delivering this milestone.”
The ULSG plant is one of a range of investments in the broader Viva Energy Hub site over the past four years, which also includes the construction of 90 million litres of strategic diesel storage, the development of Australia’s first publicly accessible hydrogen refuelling service station for heavy vehicles and major maintenance of the refinery to ensure safe and reliable operations.
Viva Energy remains committed to the Geelong community and to playing a major role in Australia’s evolving energy landscape.
The company continues to invest in new technologies and infrastructure, providing high-skilled jobs and apprenticeships and supporting local industries, ensuring Geelong remains at the forefront of energy innovation for years to come.
