Barwon Water hits 100 per cent renewable energy target

Barwon Water’s services are being delivered by net zero emissions electricity, with all its facilities now powered by 100 per cent renewables.

In a significant milestone, the organisation has reached the Victorian water sector’s aim to source all electricity from renewable sources a full year ahead of the 2025 target.

Victorian Minister for Water, Harriet Shing, and State Minister for Climate Action, Lily D’Ambrosio, were among those who celebrated the achievement at Barwon Water’s Torquay Tank, which features a 240kW solar array.

Since adopting its own 100 per cent renewables target in 2016, Barwon Water has invested in a diverse array of projects across the region.

Barwon Water’s Managing Director, Shaun Cumming, said the achievement was the result of a long-term commitment to sustainability and regional prosperity.

“We’re proud to achieve 100 per cent renewable electricity.

“It has been made possible through collaboration with our regional stakeholders and water sector peers, as well as the support of our customers.

“This milestone reflects our commitment to a healthier environment and providing essential water and wastewater services in the most sustainable way possible.

“In addition to reducing carbon emissions, these investments are also reducing energy costs, putting downward pressure on customer bills and generating revenue from surplus electricity.”

Barwon Water’s facilities use more than 30GW hours of electricity annually, equivalent to about 6,000 homes.

All its drinking water, sewerage, and recycled water services are being supplied using net zero emissions electricity.

This has been achieved by investing in about 25MW of renewable electricity capacity, generating around 65GW hours per year.

Key projects include the 3MW Black Rock solar farm, the first megawatt-scale solar installation in the Australian water industry.

In another Australian-first initiative, the Colac Renewable Organics Network converts organic waste from the Australian Lamb Company and Bulla Dairy Foods into renewable electricity and hot water. Doing so helps the water reclamation plant in Colac run on green and low-cost energy.

Barwon Water has also leveraged strategic partnerships with local organisations and other water corporations to hasten its transition to 100 per cent renewable energy.

The Barwon Renewable Energy Partnership, a collaboration between Barwon Health and GeelongPort, provides 17MW from the Mt Gellibrand Wind Farm.

Further, Barwon Water has teamed up with eleven other water corporations to secure electricity from Victoria’s Kiamal Solar Farm.

With Barwon Water now generating more electricity than needed to run its facilities, it can export the excess electricity back to the grid, generate revenue and help protect the region’s natural environment.

The milestone is a crucial component of Barwon Water’s Strategy 2030 and its 2023-2028 Price Submission, focusing on achieving a healthier environment.

Mr Cumming said Barwon Water continues to drive progress towards the broader goal of reaching net zero emissions.

“We are strongly focused on our 2030 target of achieving net-zero emissions across our operations and doing it in a way that reduces energy costs,” he said.

“This includes tackling direct emissions from wastewater treatment processes and transitioning to a zero-emissions vehicle fleet.”

Image: Barwon Water