Hunter Water has awarded the contract to supply technology that will monitor and control pumps, control valves and storages to optimise its water distribution network and help to reduce its energy consumption and environmental footprint.
SUEZ was awarded the contract and will implement its Aquadvanced™ Energy solution, which uses real-time data about water consumption, forecasts and energy prices to schedule and control water supply to meet consumer demand at the lowest price, while meeting operational requirements.
Servicing over half a million people in the Lower Hunter region, it is anticipated that Hunter Water will deliver substantial ongoing electricity cost savings by improving the efficiency of the distribution system.
The project will also provide operational benefits by improving water quality, extending the life of the assets in the network and improving decision making about operational and economic constraints. This project will also assist in achieving the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
Ruben MacNeil, Group Manager Intelligent Networks at Hunter Water, said, “Hunter Water welcomes the partnership with SUEZ to deliver energy and operational efficiencies across our network. This project is a great example of how we’re embracing new and innovative solutions to deliver sustainable water services.”
SUEZ General Manager Business Development, Stuart Gowans, said he is delighted to bring the Aquadvanced™ suite to Australia and deliver benefits for Hunter Water and the region’s customers.
“Aquadvanced™ Energy is a highly advanced network optimiser that typically reduces overall pumping energy bills by 10 to 15 per cent. We look forward to working with Hunter Water to help deliver energy efficiencies and financial savings, using this leading edge technology.”
This project builds on the successful trial of Aquadvanced™ Energy in the Hunter Water network in 2018 which tested the compatibility of the technology with Hunter Water’s existing infrastructure. Implementation of this project has already started, with operations to begin in 2020.