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Viva Energy has committed to upgrading its Geelong Refinery to produce Ultra-Low Sulphur Gasoline (ULSG) as part of the Federal Government’s Fuel Security Package (FSP).
This investment will further improve the quality of petrol produced at the refinery by reducing the maximum sulphur content to 10ppm, which will enable the introduction of new engine technology and help reduce vehicle emissions.
Making these sulphur reductions in petrol more closely aligns Australia’s fuel quality with international standards and provides Australians with health, environmental and vehicle benefits.
The total project cost is expected to be approximately $350 million, with a $125 million contribution from the Federal Government through its Refinery Upgrade Program, which is part of the Fuel Security Package.
As with all Viva Energy projects, the ULSG project will be developed and delivered with a primary focus on safety and the environment that meets or exceeds regulatory requirements.
The project is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2025, with up to 300 people employed during peak construction.
Project Overview
There are five main elements to this project.
As part of this process
- Regulatory approvals will be supported by studies including sediment sampling and analysis, environmental emissions modelling, noise, and safety risk assessments. Safety studies and risk assessments have been completed and found that the unit can operate safely. The Gasoline Treatment Unit will be integrated into existing safety systems and processes, regular reviews and training for employees
- Firefighting response equipment will be established in accordance with statutory and Viva Energy requirements
- The Gasoline Treatment Unit will be incorporated into existing refinery operating licences including the Major Hazard Facility (MHF) licence supported by the Safety Case (WorkSafe Victoria), and the EPA Operating Licence (Environment Protection Authority Victoria).
Siting and Construction
The Gasoline Treatment Unit will be constructed north of the refinery flare and be situated fully within the boundary of the refinery, approximately 60 metres from the railway line, on refinery land which is largely vacant.
The new unit comprises a number of large modules. It is not feasible to deliver these via road due to their size and weight so it is proposed that the modules will be transported by barge to the existing access way next to Refinery Pier. To ensure module unloading can be undertaken safely, a small marine offloading facility on the rock revetment will need to be constructed, extending up to 25m from the existing access way.
The approvals phase for the project is currently underway. Construction of the marine offloading facility and site preparations started in 2023.
The site and area
Timeline
Procurement
Viva Energy proudly supports Australian industry at every opportunity. We actively seek Australian vendors and use Australian materials wherever possible. For the Ultra-Low Sulphur Gasoline project, at least $150m will be spent in Australia on site construction, engineering, fabrication, commissioning and goods and materials.
View goods and services that will be procured by the project
Register vendor interest