Licella is progressing with engineering work and site investigations for Project Swift, a proposed biorefinery in the Bundaberg region, supported by an $8 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA). The project has now entered a critical phase, moving closer to Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), following the recent funding announcement.
To support this stage, Licella has engaged global engineering leader Technip Energies and planning firm EMM Consulting. Their role includes early-stage engineering, planning and environmental assessments, and comprehensive site analysis. In addition, local contractors have been brought on board for surveying and geotechnical work, helping stimulate the regional economy and reflecting Licella’s commitment to community engagement.
“This marks a major step forward for Project Swift as we shift from planning into action,” said David Taylor, Executive General Manager for Asia and Australasia at Licella. “Partnering with leading engineering and planning firms speaks to the commercial promise of the project. We’re pleased to be working alongside Isis Central Sugar Mill and the wider Bundaberg community to lay the foundation for a low-carbon fuel future in Australia.”
Project Swift, to be located next to the Isis Central Sugar Mill, will utilise Licella’s proprietary Cat-HTR™ hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology to convert sugarcane residues—such as bagasse—into low-carbon liquid fuels (LCLF). Once operational, the facility is expected to produce up to 60 million litres of low-carbon fuel annually, including approximately 40 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
The project is projected to generate significant regional employment, with an estimated 300 jobs during construction and 100 ongoing operational roles. It also aims to add long-term value to the local sugar industry and help strengthen Australia’s domestic fuel supply chain.
Both Licella and Isis Central Sugar Mill welcomed the recent Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into the potential for sugarcane-based biofuels, viewing it as a key development in unlocking large-scale production of low-carbon fuels.
“The Inquiry highlights growing recognition of regional Queensland’s capacity to lead in future fuel production,” Taylor added. “Supportive policy will be vital to attracting investment and scaling this opportunity.”
Craig Wood, CEO of Isis Central Sugar Mill, shared his optimism: “It’s encouraging to see Project Swift continuing to gain momentum. A facility producing SAF right here in the Wide Bay region would not only advance the sustainability of the sugar industry but also secure a prosperous future for our grower shareholders.”
The detailed engineering and feasibility phase of Project Swift is expected to span 18 to 24 months, including a comprehensive FEED process. A Final Investment Decision (FID) is anticipated in the second half of 2026.
