WHERE ARE THEY NOW?
YARRA VALLEY WATER, BARWON WATER, NORTH EAST WATER: Meta-analysis of Low Carbon Cement Alternatives for Water Industry Applications
Since winning the 2023 Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge, Yarra Valley Water, Barwon Water, and North East Water have developed a new guide and database of low-carbon concrete alternatives for immediate use in Victoria’s water industry.
Concrete production accounts for 8% of global carbon emissions, and this project identified sustainable options—like mixes incorporating slag, fly ash, and geopolymers—that meet industry standards and can significantly reduce emissions. The project also introduced a Low Carbon Concrete Mix Selection Tool to support adoption across the sector.
BARWON WATER: Cellulose Recovery from Wastewater
The Cellulose Recovery Project, led by Barwon Water, explored the innovative potential of recovering cellulose from wastewater to support circular economy objectives.
With funding from the 2023 Water Minister’s Climate Innovation Challenge, the project assessed the feasibility of implementing the Cellvation process at Black Rock WWTP, Barwon Water’s largest wastewater reclamation plant. The study confirmed the technical feasibility of the process and identified key considerations, including operational risks, market development, and regulatory challenges.
While the local market for recycled cellulose is still in its infancy, the project has laid the groundwork for future exploration, including further market research, stakeholder engagement, and evaluating potential applications for recovered cellulose.
SOUTH EAST WATER: Scope 1 Emissions Direct and Real-time Monitoring on Aerobic Digester
Following the 2023 Water Minister Climate Innovation Challenge, South East Water concluded design development of the emissions monitoring system and has been procuring equipment for Mt Martha, the largest treatment plant in our service area. The procurement process is currently underway, with the tender expected to be awarded by end of 2024.
Concurrently, we have been collaborating with the University of Queensland as part of their Australian Research Council (ARC) project in N2O monitoring. The UQ team has reviewed our equipment location drawings and monitoring process, providing valuable feedback.
In 2025, we plan to begin installing the equipment and start monitoring.
GWM WATER: Donald Community Power Plant Study
- Draft feasibility study has been completed, with outcome that the project is feasible subject to connection agreement from the distributor (Powercor);
- Community consultation is in progress with positive reception so far;
- A funding application has been made to DEECA under the 100 Neighbourhood Batteries program (round 2); and
- Collateral is being prepared to apply for implementation funding Regional Microgrids Program from ARENA.
