Lucas Heights Bioenergy Facility

LMS Energy is proposing to install a new bioenergy facility at the Lucas Heights Resource Recovery Park (LHRRP) located at Little Forest Road, Lucas Heights, NSW. The existing on-site power station, developed and operated by a different provider since 1998, will be replaced by LMS Energy’s modern bioenergy facility which will continue the sustainable reuse of landfill biogas.  

As Australia’s leading landfill biogas company, LMS Energy has delivered more than 65 biogas projects across Australia, New Zealand and the United States over the last 30 years. Collectively, these projects generate enough renewable energy to power around 250,000 homes each day, reducing more than 5 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions annually.

The new Bioenergy Facility at Lucas Heights will:

• Generate up to 190,000 megawatt hours per year of renewable electricity, equivalent to powering around 30,000 homes. 
• Reduce more than 1 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent greenhouse gas emissions.

Benefits to the Sutherland Shire Community

This project will:

• Reduce landfill gas emissions through capture and sustainable energy recovery.
• Improve emission reduction activities in the Sutherland Shire.
• Have a minimal disruption to the community, as the new facility will be built adjacent to the existing power station at the LHRRP.

Where will it be located?

The below map shows the location of the proposed facility in relation to the LHRRP.

The project is located within the Sutherland Shire local government area, about 30 kilometers southwest of the Sydney central business district within the suburb of Lucas Heights. Lucas Heights sits between the Royal National Park, Heathcote National Park and the Cubbitch Barta National Estate Area, which is managed by the Department of Defence as a part of the Holsworthy Barracks.

The Bioenergy Facility is proposed to have an area of about 0.5 hectares and would be located on Lot 101 DP 1009354 within the LHRRP to the west of the existing power station. 

Figure 2: Project Site Location 

How does it work?

The below infographic shows the basic process flow. 

Once waste is collected and deposited in the landfill, the organic material naturally breaks down over time, decomposing to release biogas. The biogas is primarily methane and ‘biogenic’ carbon dioxide. 

The biogas is collected via a network of underground pipes that transport the gas to the Bioenergy Facility. Here the gas is used in the engines to generate renewable electricity. During times of network outage, or if any excess gas is available, the biogas is flared. This ensures continuous combustion of gas at the same rate that it is produced within the landfill.

The electricity is then exported from the site into the local Ausgrid distribution system, and onto homes and business in the network.

What are the next steps for the project?

• External consultant GHD has been engaged to prepare an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS)
• The EIS will follow the framework set by the Department for Planning, Housing and Infrastructure (DPHI) for all state significant developments
• This process includes engaging with relevant government and community stakeholders, and evaluating the impact of this project on the surrounding area
• Community feedback is welcomed as we develop the EIS 
• We aim for the release of the EIS for public viewing in June 2025 to allow community members to make a formal submission on the project
• The DPHI will assess the project for a final determination by the NSW Minister for Planning (or delegate)

Your Feedback

Your feedback and enquiries on the proposed project is welcomed, and can be provided via the below contacts:

cominput@GHD.com | P. 1800 810 680

When providing feedback, please reference 'Lucas Heights Bioenergy Facility'.