In June 2000, Coogee Chemicals in joint venture with Mogal Marine Pty Ltd, acquired from BHP Pty Ltd and the Mitsubishi subsidiary DRDA Pty Ltd, their respective interests in a methanol research plant in the Melbourne industrial area of Laverton. The plant has successfully tested and developed the ICI-Synetix Advanced Gas Heated Reformer which allows compact methanol plant construction to become a reality. The joint venture is actively pursuing opportunities for the commercial application of this technology to offshore natural gas fields in the Timor Sea.

                                                                                                                    Aerial view of plant

Methanol

The plant is operated by Coogee Energy Pty Ltd (100% owned subsidiary) as a commercial production facility. It is the only plant in Australia converting natural gas to high grade methanol. Bulk methanol is supplied to customers, mainly in the eastern states of Australia, for the production of formaldehyde, dimethyl ether and a range of other products.

Responsible Care

As a member of PACIA (Plastics and Chemicals Industries Association), Coogee Energy is committed to the Responsible Care Program to ensure that the highest safety, health and environmental standards are maintained.

Environment

The plant is operated under an EPA Accredited Licence and continuously strives to improve environmental performance through several avenues that include an ongoing Environmental Improvement Plan and the establishment of a Community Liaison Committee. The committee seeks to involve the community in monitoring and improving environmental performance and provides an avenue of communication between plant management and the community.

For further information, contact the plant at ceadmin@coogeeenergy.com.au