Renewable Energy Opportunities for Wastewater Treatment Plants: A Case Study of Melbourne Water
Wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs) are critical in protecting public health and the environment by treating and managing sewage and other forms of wastewater. However, the operation of these facilities requires significant amounts of energy, typically derived from fossil fuels. Read how Melbourne Water’s WWTPs are leading the way towards net-zero emissions.
Several renewable energy options can be implemented at WWTPs, including solar, wind, hydro, and biogas. Depending on site-specific conditions, energy needs, and financial resources, these technologies can be deployed individually or in combination. The main renewable energy opportunities for WWTPs include:
- Solar photovoltaic (PV) systems: Solar PV systems generate electricity from sunlight and can be installed on rooftops, carports, or ground-mounted arrays. WWTPs are ideal candidates for solar PV systems, as they typically have large open spaces, high electricity demand, and long operating hours. Solar PV systems can also help to offset peak demand charges and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
- Solar thermal: Solar thermal systems use solar energy to heat water, which can then be used for space heating, hot water, or industrial processes. WWTPs can utilize solar thermal for heating digester tanks, sludge drying beds, or other thermal loads.
- Wind: Wind turbines can generate electricity by harnessing the kinetic energy of the wind. However, WWTPs are generally unsuitable for wind energy due to their urban or suburban location and low wind speeds.
- Hydro: Hydropower can generate electricity by using the energy of flowing water. WWTPs near rivers, streams, or other water bodies can harness hydropower to supplement their electricity needs.
- Biogas: Biogas is a renewable fuel that can be generated by digesting organic waste, such as sewage sludge or food waste. WWTPs that operate anaerobic digesters can capture the biogas produced and use it for heat, power, or transportation.
Melbourne Water’s Renewable Energy Initiatives
The Victorian water sector is working towards obtaining 100% of its electricity from renewable sources by 2025. To support this effort, Melbourne Water aims for net-zero emissions by 2030. The company has made progress by finishing a solar farm at Winneke Treatment Plant, about 35 km from Melbourne’s city center in Christmas Hills and ranks as the third largest energy consumer in Melbourne Water’s infrastructure. The 19,000 solar panels will produce around 12,400 MWh of clean energy annually, with the plant using the generated electricity and any surplus being sent to the grid.
In addition to Winneke, Melbourne Water operates the Eastern Treatment Plant Solar Farm, which has 38,961 panels and is among Australia’s largest behind-the-meter solar installations. The utility also runs several mini-hydro power stations, generating 60 GWh of electricity annually, and captures biogas from sewage treatment plants for power production.
The Take-Out
WWTPs can utilize various renewable energy options to reduce operational costs, increase resilience, and promote sustainability.
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