Geelong’s role in Victoria’s future
THE VIVA ENERGY REFINERY, WHICH CONTRIBUTES MORE THAN $200M EVERY YEAR TO THE LOCAL ECONOMY, IS EMBRACING ITS SUSTAINABILITY JOURNEY
VIVA Energy’s refinery has been an important part of the Geelong community for almost 70 years, and is now one of only two refineries remaining in Australia. It plays a critical role in Australia’s fuel security and supplies around half of Victoria’s total fuel needs.
The majority of the 700+ people employed at the Viva Energy Refinery live in the Geelong/Surf Coast region. The refinery makes a contribution of more than $200m every year to the local economy.
Beyond the products we supply to keep industry moving, the taxes, council rates and other payments like port fees make an important contribution to the budgets that support many local businesses, programs and facilities.
The Viva Energy Refinery is important to the economy and the social fabric of Geelong, providing an important training ground for specialised skills, including apprenticeships and a career pathway for talented young locals.
Recognising the important role that refineries play in the country’s fuel and national security, the support announced this year in the federal government’s
Fuel Security Package has encouraged Viva Energy to continue refining and investing in Geelong.
Dale Cooper, Executive General Manager of the Geelong Refinery, said: “Our longstanding past is only a gateway to what Viva Energy sees as an exciting future for Geelong, the industry and the nation as a whole.
“While Australian consumers and industry will continue to drive strong demand for traditional fuels for many years yet, Viva Energy recognises and intends to be part of the transition that is under way as the country moves towards a more efficient, low-carbon economy.”
Big changes are ahead for all forms of energy with the rapid growth of affordable renewable energy. In the transport fuels space the emergence of electric vehicles and hydrogen technology will provide new opportunities.
“Viva Energy is on a sustainability journey,” said Dale.
“Our vision to create a Geelong Energy Hub could see the refinery site become a broader energy gateway for Victoria, supporting the energy transition and the move to net-zero.
“Projects we are looking at include the gas terminal and a solar energy farm, and opportunities for alternative energies such as hydrogen.”
The proposed gas terminal will help contribute to a long-term future for the Geelong Refinery. With operations planned to start up in 2024, the floating gas terminal would be permanently docked at Refinery Pier. The project is a flexible and cost-effective solution to replace the declining gas supply in the state, as forecast by the Australian Energy Market Operator.
Viva Energy is not only looking at new alternative fuels, but seeking ways to improve traditional transport fuels, and reduce the footprint of its fuelsrefining business.
“As a manufacturer and supplier of hydrocarbon-derived products, we recognise that we have an important role to play to reduce our emissions and to help our customers as they seek opportunities to reduce their own carbon footprint,” said Dale.
“We are planning an upgrade that will allow us to produce ultra-low sulphur petrol fuels, delivering positive health and environmental outcomes. We have also secured a grant to build new diesel storage vitally important for the economy, with diesel used in agricultural, mining and defence as well as in emergency management during natural disasters,” he said.
The refinery is keen to identify opportunities to procure energy from sustainable and renewable production, and last year signed a wind power purchasing agreement (PPA) with Acciona to supply around one-third of the refinery’s energy needs.
“The agreement has helped us to reduce our energy costs as well as supporting a local renewable energy supply,” Dale said.
Earlier this year, Viva Energy announced an alliance with leading global hydrogen commercial vehicle manufacturer Hyzon Motors and in July it launched Australia’s first certified carbon-offset jet fuel, Carbon Neutral Jet A-1.
Dale concluded: “The next few decades will see a revolution in fuels and energy use. With new technologies emerging, we are excited about the future, and see great opportunities for Geelong and the new Energy Hub to play an important role.”
WITH NEW TECHNOLOGIES EMERGING, WE ARE EXCITED ABOUT THE FUTURE, AND SEE GREAT OPPORTUNITIES FOR GEELONG AND THE NEW ENERGY HUB