The Regional Growth NSW Development Corporation (RGDC) has awarded the Parkes Energy Recovery consortium the contract to deliver the $1.5 billion Parkes Energy Recovery Facility, a key component of the Parkes Special Activation Precinct (SAP). This investment marks the largest single investment in the history of Parkes.
The consortium, comprising Tribe Infrastructure Group, Tadweer Group, HiQ Group, and Kanadevia Inova, will design, construct, finance, own, and operate the proposed facility under a lease arrangement with the RGDC. The length of the lease arrangement has not been disclosed.
Boost for Regional NSW
The Parkes SAP aims to drive economic growth and job creation in regional New South Wales. The Energy Recovery Facility is expected to play a significant role in this initiative by converting waste into energy, thereby reducing landfill dependence and contributing to the state’s renewable energy targets.
The facility is projected to divert approximately 600,000 tonnes of waste annually from landfill and generate at least 60 megawatts of energy, enough to power more than 65,000 homes. Construction is expected to commence following the completion of necessary planning approvals, with the facility projected to be operational by 2030.
Parkes Special Activation Precinct: A Catalyst for Regional Growth
The Parkes Special Activation Precinct (SAP) is a 4,800-hectare master-planned industrial estate located in the Central West region of New South Wales. Strategically positioned at the junction of Australia’s two major rail lines – the Inland Rail and the Trans-Australian Railway – the precinct offers unparalleled connectivity, enabling suppliers to reach up to 80% of the nation’s population within 12 hours by road or rail.
Designed to stimulate economic development and create employment opportunities, the Parkes SAP is projected to generate up to 3,000 jobs across various industries. As Australia’s first UNIDO Eco-Industrial Park, it emphasises sustainability through initiatives such as waste and water reuse, as well as energy generation and efficiency.
The proposed Parkes Energy Recovery facility to be located within the Parkes Special Activation Precinct.
What is a UNIDO Eco-Industrial Park?
A UNIDO Eco-Industrial Park (EIP) is an industrial development model endorsed by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) that promotes sustainable and resource-efficient industrial operations. These parks integrate environmental, economic, and social sustainability principles to enhance competitiveness while minimizing environmental impact.
Key Features of a UNIDO Eco-Industrial Park:
- Circular Economy Principles – Businesses within the park collaborate to share resources, such as waste materials, water, and energy, reducing overall waste and emissions.
- Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy – Use of sustainable energy sources like solar, wind, or waste-to-energy technologies to power industrial operations.
- Resource Recovery & Waste Management – Facilities work together to repurpose by-products and industrial waste into valuable inputs for other businesses.
- Low-Carbon & Climate-Resilient Development – Reducing greenhouse gas emissions through smart infrastructure planning and innovative technologies.
- Sustainable Infrastructure & Transport – Green building designs, efficient logistics networks, and integrated transport solutions to reduce the environmental footprint.
The development of the Parkes Energy Recovery Facility aligns seamlessly with the precinct’s vision, contributing to sustainable infrastructure and reinforcing Parkes’ role as a leader in the circular economy.
Sustainable Infrastructure Investment
The Parkes Energy Recovery Facility represents a significant investment in sustainable infrastructure for regional New South Wales, aligning with broader state objectives to promote environmental sustainability and economic development. The facility will help drive innovation in waste management and energy production, reinforcing the region’s role as a leader in circular economy initiatives.
Mayor of Parkes Shire, Cr Neil Westcott, outlined Council’s position on the proposed facility.
“We are pleased to see progress on this important project and support the principle of the Parkes Energy Recovery facility, as part of a sustainable waste management solution for the future,” Cr Westcott said.
“One of the most exciting things about this facility is that it may be a catalyst for businesses within the Parkes Precinct, with 60 megawatts of available baseload power and high-pressure steam and heat available to interested off-takers. Businesses will surely be interested to co-locate with this development.”
Find out more at Parkes Energy Recovery.
