Knowledge Sharing

Collaboration for Innovation in Yarram

An incredible vision and a lot of hard work has led to the opening of Gippsland Renewables Innovation Park, an excellent example of renewable energy powering a sustainable, plantation-based timber mill and manufacturing plant in Yarram.  Linda and John Ballis of GridEdge Battery Technologies teamed up with Radial Timbers to install 200kW of solar, ~100kWh of batteries and a pyrolysis machine to produce approximately one third of Radial Timbers’ power needs.

GridEdge batteries use non-lithium, sodium-nickel-chloride technology, are not flammable (important in a timber mill) and are 100% recyclable.

In addition, the Australian-made Earth Systems pyrolysis machine uses wood shavings and chips from timber processing to produce heat energy and can produce electricity through a standard Rankine cycle engine. Currently it is making biochar and wood vinegar, two products with a diversity of uses in agriculture and land remediation, helping shift away from heavy fertiliser and herbicide use and contamination.

The whole plant has created three new part-time jobs and provides renewable energy for Radial Timbers, an important local employer. And there is more to come, with a visitors’ centre and research facility opening soon.

Congratulations John, Linda and Chris, Mycelia is excited to celebrate this milestone, having walked with you on this journey over the last five years. And super happy that the mill receives the balance of its energy needs from our wonderful partners, Circular Energy.