Geelong cemeteries adopt hybrid electric cremator and biofuel to cut emissions

Geelong Cemeteries Trust is installing Australia's first hybrid electric cremator, part of a push to reach net zero emissions by 2030. The new unit, imported from Europe, will run primarily on solar power generated on site. Combined with a switch to biofuel made from used cooking oil for the two existing cremators, the trust aims to nearly eliminate carbon emissions from the cremation process. The biofuel, previously refined in Singapore, will now be processed locally at Geelong's Viva Energy refinery under a new agreement with Origin Energy. The trust is also adding advanced flue gas treatment to meet European emission standards. A dedicated viewing room will allow families to observe the process. The project shows how municipal services can adopt practical low-carbon technologies without waiting for national policy changes.