Scenario A – bio-industry & renewables focus
The configuration of cluster elements in Scenario A is given in Fig. 4.
Scenario A is bio-focused, in terms of both energy generation and product perspectives. Other renewable technologies are
drawn upon to supplement energy production, including solar, wind and geothermal power.
Existing sectors of forestry and agriculture are enlarged with purpose grown crops. Residues and crops then form inputs into a
biomass cogeneration facility (for electricity export to the national grid), pyrolysis for biofuels and biochar, and processing for
ethanol production. Some biomass sources could also pass through a gasification stage prior to electricity generation, for improved
efficiency of electricity conversion. Other crop residues that are high in moisture content, as well as food waste from household
garbage and stock wastes, can be processed through anaerobic digestion to produce methane for energy generation. The
residential sector also provides nutrients (sewage) to be used in intensive cultivation of algae. Low grade heat from electricity
generation and any water used for cooling is also used in algae production in ponds which could be in old mine sites – linked to a
hub for mine closure research and development.