Licella Advances Engineering Phase for Project Swift in Regional Queensland

Licella Advances Engineering Phase for Project Swift in Regional Queensland

Licella is advancing engineering and site investigations for Project Swift, a proposed biorefinery in the Bundaberg region, backed by an $8 million grant from the Australian Renewable Energy Agency (ARENA).

This next phase follows the announcement of ARENA funding and marks an important milestone as Licella moves closer to a FEED (Front-End Engineering Design) phase.

Leading technology and engineering company Technip Energies and planning firm EMM Consulting have been engaged to support this work, which includes early engineering design, planning and environmental studies, and detailed site assessments. Local contractors are also being engaged for survey and geotechnical works, supporting the regional economy and reinforcing Licella’s commitment to working with the community.

“This is a significant step forward for Project Swift, as we move from concept to action,” said David Taylor, Executive General Manager Asia and Australasia at Licella.

“The engagement of world-class engineering and planning partners reflects the commercial potential of this project. We’re excited to be working with our partner Isis Central Sugar Mill and the broader Bundaberg community to build the foundation for Australia’s low-carbon fuel future.”

Located adjacent to the Isis Central Sugar Mill, Project Swift will use Licella’s proprietary Cat-HTR™ hydrothermal liquefaction (HTL) technology to convert sugarcane residues like bagasse into low carbon liquid fuels (LCLF). The facility is expected to produce up to 60 million litres of low-carbon fuels annually – including around 40 million litres of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).

With the potential to create 300 construction jobs and 100 ongoing operational roles, the project will boost regional employment, add value to the sugar industry, and help secure domestic fuel supply chains.

Both companies welcomed the recent announcement of a Queensland Parliamentary Inquiry into the potential of biofuels from sugarcane as a key step toward unlocking the full potential of low carbon liquid fuels for the industry.

“The Inquiry reflects growing recognition of the role regional Queensland can play in producing the fuels of the future,” said David Taylor of Licella.

“Clear, enabling policy is essential to attract investment and realise this opportunity at scale.”

“We commend the Queensland Government for fostering the right environment for biofuels to grow and diversify the State’s economy.”

Craig Wood, Chief Executive Officer at Isis Central Sugar Mill, said:

“The news from our partner Licella that Project Swift is continuing to step forward towards the final goal of having a low carbon fuels facility producing SAF in the Wide Bay region is extremely encouraging.”

He added, “The facility will help underpin the sustainability of the sugar industry in the region, providing opportunity for a strong and rewarding future for our grower shareholders.”

The detailed engineering and feasibility phase of Licella’s Project Swift is expected to take 18–24 months, including detailed Front-End Engineering Design (FEED), ahead of a Final Investment Design (FID) targeted for the second half of 2026.