ACCIONA hosted a technical tour of the new Kwinana Energy Recovery Facility in Western Australia recently, with ambassador and mechanical engineering student Isabella Nichols visiting the facility to understand how residual waste is converted into electricity for local homes.

The tour highlighted the significance of the facility, which processes a third of Perth’s waste and reduces the volume sent to landfill.

Ms Nichols, who balances her engineering studies with a professional surfing career, examined the plants systems with a focus on mechanical integration and continuous operation.

She observed the facility’s tipping hall, where 150 to 200 trucks arrive each day, and the automated cranes that prepare waste for combustion. The plant runs all year to maintain consistent energy generation and stable thermal performance.

Isabella reflected on the engineering behind the operation.

"Seeing the Kwinana energy recovery plant for the first time wasn't what I expected. When it comes to energy recovery, it was quite beautiful, just the way that everything pieced together," Ms Nichols said.

"It turns waste, that would otherwise end up in a landfill causing methane gas, into electricity and reusable products."

The facility recovers approximately 96 per cent of incoming material as energy, aggregate and ash suitable for civil works, with metals extracted for recycling.

This reduces the need for landfill while supporting a circular approach to waste. The compact plant design also enables similar facilities to be considered for metropolitan areas.

Nichols said the visit offered a strong contrast to her life in competitive surfing while reinforcing the practical impact of engineering.

"It is so cool that ACCIONA built the first ever energy-recovery facility here in Australia in Perth," she said.

"I am really excited to celebrate more milestones in the future with this company."

The Kwinana Energy Recovery Facility demonstrates how advanced engineering can support sustainable urban growth.

ACCIONA expects the facility to guide future waste infrastructure across Australia and contribute to new pathways for renewable-energy generation.

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