Demonstration Plant – Cessnock, NSW

White Energy completed the construction and commissioning of the Cessnock demonstration plant in financial year 2009. The demonstration plant is a very useful facility for White Energy whereby we can test the responsiveness of different coal samples form around the world to the BCB Process and create a ‘centre of excellence’ for training purposes.

The Cessnock demonstration plant allows White Energy to test and analyse coal samples from our potential partners as well as train and educate White Energy staff with respect to commissioning and operating our plants – all without disrupting our commercially operating facilities.


Photo - Demonstration Plant


Coal Sample Testing Report and Analysis

  • Evaluate different coal samples from around the world to ascertain the value of a potential reserve based on its responsiveness to the BCB Process
  • Benchmark coal samples against performance criteria
  • Assess ways to improve the current BCB Process and the ability to improve other coal grades
  • The Cessnock plant provides an operating facility that can be used to demonstrate the technology to interested investors and project partners

Centre of Excellence

  • Our business model centrally controls the key processes and know-how associated with the BCB Process. The Cessnock facility is utilised to ensure that there is sufficient training and accreditation for relevant employees.
  • Key engineering managers and project managers involved with the construction, commissioning and operating of the plant have worked on relevant processes at the Cessnock demonstration plant prior to managing ‘live’ projects
  • R&D centre to evaluate enhancements that can be tested and deployed to commercial plants
  • R&D centre to identify new applications of the BCB technology that will be value creative to White Energy

Status - December 2011

During the December 2011 quarter, work at the Company’s Cessnock Production Plant has intensified, with a number of coal samples (mainly reclaimed coal fines samples) being tested at the smaller pilot plant located at the site. In addition, the much larger 90,000 tonne per annum demonstration plant at Cessnock re-commenced operations during the half year ended 31 December 2011, using both sub-bituminous coal samples which were stockpiled at site as well as South African coal fines. The results continue to be encouraging, and the activities on site are providing further training for existing and new plant operators.