Saputo Allansford
This innovative project will enable Saputo to harness nearly all of the biogas generated on-site to deliver sustainable energy savings.
Project Details
| Site Owner | Saputo Dairy Australia (SDA) |
| Commission Date | 2026 |
| Fuel Source | Biogas |
| Facility | Cheese & Butter Factory |
| Location | Allansford, Victoria |
| System Application | Combined Heat & Power (CHP) |
Description
In February 2026, Optimal Group commissioned a purpose-built biogas cogeneration plant for Saputo Dairy Australia (SDA) at its Allansford manufacturing facility.
This transformative project will convert waste into renewable power and heat, reducing the site’s carbon footprint by over 16% annually and generating up to 25% of the facility’s total energy usage.
Using advanced Capstone Microturbines, the project will convert biogas waste into energy, reducing reliance on imported electricity. The remaining gas will be used to maintain the waste facility’s temperature, maximising efficiency. This circular process allows SDA to utilise almost all of the biogas produced on-site, eliminating over 13% of imported natural gas usage in addition to the electricity savings.
Optimal Group brings specialised expertise in clean energy solutions to ensure SDA extracts the most benefit and efficiency from its state-of-the-art biogas plant.
“This project is a testament to our commitment to environmental stewardship and innovation,” said James Moyle, SDA’s General Manager of Engineering and Strategic Projects.
“As part of our long-term vision for success in Australia, our investment in renewable energy is supporting a resilient and sustainable dairy industry while safeguarding the environment and fostering positive environmental change in our communities.”
Supported by a $1 million grant through Sustainability Victoria under the Victorian Government’s circular economy policy, Recycling Victoria: a new economy, this project was one of 24 successful projects in the Waste to Energy – Bioenergy Fund.